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THE 



EARLY HISTORY 



OF 



MICHIGAN, 



FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT TO 1815. 



BY E. M. SHELDON. 



NEW YOEK : 

A. S. BARNES & COMPANY, 51 & 53 JOHN-ST. 
DETEOIT :— KEEE, MOKLEY & CO. 
1856. ^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year lS5o, 

Bt a. s. BAENES & CO., 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern 
District of New York. 






RICHARD C VALENTINE, 
bTEREOTYPER AND ELECTROT Y P 1ST, GEORGE W. WOOD, Pn 

17 Dutch-street, corner of Falt.cn. *-"° 2 Dutch-street 

NEW YORK.. 



apt 



TO 

HON. LEWIS CASS, 

SECOND GrOVERNOE OF MICHIGAN, 

WHOSE JUDICIOUS MANAGEMENT OF THE 

NUMEROUS INDIAN TRIBES OF THE NORTHWEST 

SECURED TO THE 

PENINSULAR STATE 

ITS PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT AND CONTINUED PROSPERITY, 



f Ms Mnm 



IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 



flLsS? 




**t2l 



°' T XIVER 
DETROIT IN 1796. 



PREFACE. 



Three years since, while editing a literary periodical in Detroit, 
I commenced the publication of such facts as I could obtain con- 
cerning the early history of Michigan. Hon. Lewis Cass becom- 
ing interested in them, generously presented me with a large col- 
lection of manuscripts, containing official and narrative letters 
relating to the early French settlement, which he procured from 
the Colonial Archives at Paris, during his residence there as 
Minister Plenipotentiary. On examination of these papers, I 
found them interesting and valuable, furnishing many links in 
the broken chain of the early history of the Northwest. 

Encouraged by the commendation and proffered assistance of 
Eev. H. D. Kitchel, Capt. E. B. Ward, Rev. 0. C. Thompson, and 
Messrs. U. Tracy Howe, George F. Porter, Henry Hurlbut, and 
Robert E. Roberts, of Detroit, I undertook the task of translating 
and compiling the manuscripts, hoping thereby to be of some 
service to the American reader, and especially to the inhabitants 
of Michigan and other portions of the great Northwest. 

In this translation I was assisted by a native Parisian, and by 
an accomplished French scholar from Boston, Mass. The trans- 
lation was made with the greatest possible care, every sentence 
being revised and compared with the original. "Whatever the 



PREFACE. 



work may lack in beauty of diction, and gracefulness of expres- 
sion, unwearied pains have been taken to make it bistorically 
correct. 

I bave cbosen to embody in tbe work tbe manuscripts them- 
selves, ratber tban to give tbe facts in a more modern style, 
partly because tbe unique mode of expression often used bas at- 
tractions to my own mind, and partly because most bistorical 
readers love tbat wbicb bas tbe savor of antiquity, and prefer tbe 
original of an old book to tbe most polished modern version. 
Tbe names of all persons and places, and of some few words hav- 
ing a local signification, have been spelled as in the original 
manuscripts, except Michilimackinac, which in some instances 
was spelled Missilimakina ; but, this being an Indian word, I 
have preferred Schoolcraft's orthography. 

Though a large portion of this volume is composed of the 
manuscripts, much research has been necessary to obtain cor- 
roborating testimony and connecting facts. The principal author- 
ities which have been consulted for tbat purpose, are " Hennepin's 
Travels," Wynne's " History of the British Empire," Parkman's 
" Conspiracy of Pontiac," Schoolcraft's " Thirty Years with the 
Indian Tribes," Lanman's "History of Michigan," Ingersoll's 
" Second War," and Bancroft's " History of the United States." 

The facts concerning Detroit, after its occupation by tbe Amer- 
icans, were obtained from Hon. S. Conant, Major Joshua Howard, 
Major Abraham Edwards, and Hon. B. F. H. Witherell ; and 
from Mrs. M. McCarty, and Mrs. Piobert Abbott, daughters of 
Peter Audrain, first Secretary of the Territory, all of whom were 
then residents of Detroit. By the politeness of Mr. Amos T. 



PREFACE. 



Hall, Register of the city of Detroit, I have also had access to 
the old records, and have brought thence a bundle of gleanings. 

I am under many obligations to the " Mechanics' Library As- 
sociation" of Detroit, and to the " New York Historical Library," 
"Mercantile Library Association," and "Astor Library" of the 
city of New York, for the use of books contained in their several 
valuable collections. Mr. Joseph G. Cogswell, librarian of the 
Astor Library, has also kindly rendered essential service, by a 
patient examination of many of the manuscripts, and by reliable 
advice concerning the plan of the work. 

And by no means of the least account in the sum of obliga- 
tion, is the gratitude due to Rev. Joseph P. Thompson for an in- 
troduction to my publishers ; to whom I am indebted for the 
handsome appearance of this volume, and by whose liberality the 
public are presented with the life-like portraits of some of those 
distinguished men, whose names are well known in connection 
with the early American history of Michigan. 

Hon. Lewis Cass, second Governor of Michigan — whose por- 
trait, engraved from a daguerreotype taken during the present 
session of Congress, will be immediately recognized, — retained 
his office as governor, from the time of his appointment in 1813 
till he was appointed Secretary of War in 1831. Inl836he 
was appointed Minister to France, and returned in 1842. In 
January, 1845, he was first elected to the United States Senate. 

Hon. James "Witherell, one of the " Board of Governor and 
Judges," was a native of Massachusetts, and was appointed a 
Judge of the Territory of Michigan, April 23d, 1808. His term 
of office expired July 1st, 1824, after which he was reappointed 



PREFACE. 



for four years. On the 1st of February, 1828, he was appointed 
Secretary of the Territory. He died January 9th, 1838. 

Hon. James May was appointed Chief Justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas, about the year 1800. He held that office for 
seven years ; and his name often appears in the subsequent pub- 
lic records of the Territory. He died in January, 1829. 

Rev. Gabriel Richard, Vicar-general, Sulpitian, was born at 
Saintes, in France, October 15th, 1764. He was educated at 
Issy, near Paris, and became a priest of the Society of St. Sulpitius 
in 1791. With a number of priests of the same order, he ar- 
rived at Baltimore, in the United States, June 24th, 1792. After 
laboring some time as missionary among the Catholic missions of 
Elinois, he came to Detroit in June, 1798. He closed a long 
and laborious life at Detroit, on the 13th of September, 1832. 

All efforts to obtain a portrait of Hon. Augustus B. Woodward, 
one of the first judges, and author of the " Woodward Code of 
Laws," have been unsuccessful, and it is believed that none exists. 
He was a native of Virginia, and was appointed a Judge of the 
Territory of Michigan in 1805. His term of office expired in 
1824, and he was soon after appointed one of the Judges of the 
Territory of Florida, and died there three years later. 

Far from considering this volume above criticism, yet believing 
that it contains historical facts which will be appreciated by the 
reading public, and especially by the inhabitants of the great 
Northwest, this portion of the Early History of Michigan is re- 
spectfully submitted. 

New York, March, 1856. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER L 



Francis I. grants a commission to Jacques Cartier — Voyage of discovery 
— Second voyage — Ceremony of embarkation — Tempestuous voyage — 
Discovery and naming of the river St. Lawrence — Island of Hochelaga — 
Indian account of the Far West — Cartier names New France — Charter 
granted to Roberval — He proceeds to America, — Erects a fort on the 
coast — Colonization Company formed in 1603 — Expedition under the 
command of Champlain — Emigration of the Franciscans — Jesuits — 
Champlain appointed governor — Missionaries visit Saut Ste. Marie — 
Death of Eaymbault at Montreal — Jogues attempts to return to his 
missionary work — Taken prisoner by hostile savages — Eansomed by 
the Dutch — E6ne Mesnard visits Lake Superior — Mysterious disap- 
pearance — Establishment of a mission at Saut Ste. Marie by Allouez 
and Marquette — Speech of Allouez — Death of Marquette 17 

CHAPTER H. 

Count Frontenac appointed Governor-General of New France — Fort 
Frontenac built — La Salle appointed Commandant — Resigns his com- 
mand — Crosses Lake Ontario — Ascends the Niagara river — Builds the 
Griffin — Traverses lakes and rivers to Michilimackinac — Indian vil- 
lages on the Detroit — Storm on Lake Huron — Michilimackinac — Sig- 
nification of the name — Murder of two French traders — Arrest of the 
murderers — Their trial and execution 38 

CHAPTER IH. 

Count Frontenac removed from office — Succeeded by M. le Barre — Le 
Barre recalled, and De Nonville appointed — M. du Lhut ordered to 
establish a fort on the Detroit — Count Frontenac reappointed to the 



10 CONTENTS. 

government of Canada — Attempts a reconciliation with the Illinois — 
Invasion of Canada by the English in 1690 — Attack on Montreal — 
Unsuccessful expedition against Quebec- — Frontenac invades the coun- 
try of the Iroquois — M. la Motte Cadillac appointed commandant at 
Michilimackinac — Kemonstrates against the prohibition of the sale of 
brandy to the Indians — General account of the country, its condition, 
and inhabitants 60 

CHAPTER IV. 

The peace of Ryswick — France retains her possessions in America — 
Commercial rivalry between the French and English — Cadillac's man- 
agement of the Indians — Their attachment to the French — Upper 
Nations send envoys to Montreal in 1700 — Written treaty made and 
signed by the governor-general and envoys — Importance of a fort on 
the Detroit: — M. la Motte Cadillac goes to France — Recital of his plans 
to Count Pontchartrain — Project approved by the king — Cadillac ap- 
pointed commandant — Returns to Canada — Leaves La Chine for De- 
troit — Establishes Fort Pontchartrain in 1701 — Company of the colony 
organized 83 

CHAPTER V. 

Difficulty between the Jesuits and Franciscans — Character of M. Ca- 
dillac — Letter to Count Pontchartrain — Account of religious affairs — 
Removal of the savages to Detroit— Hurons — Miamis — Messages from 
the Outawa-Sinagos and Kiskakons — Necessity of presents to the sava- 
ges — Trade in buffalo-skins — Mulberry-trees on Grand river — Fine 
harvest at Detroit — Indian chiefs wish to visit France — Plan to form 
a company of Indian soldiers — Establishment of a seminary for the 
savages — Settlement by the Canadians — Cadillac complains of the 
large number of "permits" — Massacre of the Miamis by the Sious — 
Other Indian difficulties arising from the "permits" 99 

CHAPTER VI. 

Letter from M. Cadillac to M. la Touche — Complains of the Jesuits that 
they do not occupy their Mission at Detroit — Danger of opposing 
them — The "Company of the Colony" make a new contract with M. 
Cadillac — His account of the agreement — M. Cadillac detects two of 
the commissioners in fraud and embezzlement, and reports them to 



CONTENTS. 11 

the Directors — Descends to Montreal, and is arrested on charges pre- 
ferred by the Directors — Suit not decided till 1705 — M. Tonti com- 
mands in his absence 133 

CHAPTER VII. 

Examination of M. Cadillac before Count Pontchartrain — Cadillac re- 
ceived with reproaches — His defense — Gives a minute account of the 
settlement of Detroit — Journey thither— Conduct of Father Vaillant — 
Danger of mutiny — Harmony restored — Arrival at Detroit — Popula- 
tion of the Indian villages in the vicinity in 1704 — Great number of 
beaver — Complains of the duplicity of the Jesuits in seeking the de- 
struction of Detroit — All arises from personal enmity — Account of the 
embezzlements of the two commissioners — Nineteen packs of furs found 
— Other proofs of their guilt — Cause of Cadillac's arrest 142 

CHAPTER VIH. 

M. Cadillac's defense continued — Count Pontchartrain investigates the 
conduct of Cadillac' s accusers — Questions Cadillac concerning the price 
and sale of goods — Requires a minute account of all the circumstances 
which caused the difficulty between him and the "Company of the 
Colony" — Cadillac details facts, and gives explanations and argu- 
ments^ — Conduct of M. Denoyer — His imprisonment by Cadillac — M. 
Vincelot sent to Detroit — His character 164 

CHAPTER IX. 

Cadillac's defense continued — He gives his reasons for appealing to a 
higher court — Narrates the measures taken to secure the destruc- 
tion of Detroit — Offer of a pension to M. Tonti — Government sends 
M. Decouverte to the Ottawas and Miamis with goods — M. Mantet 
sent with presents and necklaces — M. Vincennes sent to the Miamis 
with three canoes loaded with goods — Ruin of Detroit determined at 
Quebec — Fort at Detroit set on fire — Church, house of the Recollets, 
and dwelling of M. la Motte Cadillac burned — All the provisions of 
the fort consumed — Generosity of the savages — Miamis attack the 
Detroit savages — M. Cadillac negotiates a peace between the several 
nations — "War-party of the Illinois made prisoners by the French — 
Brought to the fort — Whipped with rods — Ottawas of Michilimackinac 
remove to Detroit — Sixty Ottawas make a descent upon the Iroquois 
at Fort Frontenac — Paganism of the savages 187 



1 2 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER X. 

Disaffection of the Iroquois toward Detroit — Detroit Indians invited by 
the English to Albany, in 1703 — Keturn disaffected toward the French 
— Firing of the fort — The consequences — Letter from Father Marest, 
at Michilimackinac — Additional account of the difficulties with the 
■ Indians — Fears for the safety of the French- — M. Chartier resolves to 
leave the mission-house at St. Ignace, and go alone to Fort Michili- 
mackinac — Prevented by the offer of Merasilla, an Outawa-Sinago — 
He assures the missionary of his own safety — Asks a flag and letters 
to the French at Michilimackinac — Three Frenchmen return with 
him — Michilimackinac more securely fortified — M. Arnaud makes 
presents to the savages — The old men in council disapprove of the 
conduct of their tribe in going to Detroit — Great anxiety about the 
missionaries at St. Joseph — Friendship of Koutaouiliboe — Onaske 
sends an apology to the governor-general for his seeming remissness 
in duty to the French— Savages returned from Detroit report two 
Frenchmen killed, one a Eecollet priest 205 

CHAPTER XL 

La, Motte' s reply to two letters of the governor-general — Gives an ac- 
count of the attacks of the savages mentioned by Father Marest — 
Jean le Blanc demands peace by a branch of porcelain — M. Bourmont 
receives the branch, and refers the affair to the decision of M. la Motte 
— M. la Motte thinks this outbreak no sudden freak- — Savages proba- 
bly instigated by others — Desertion of the French soldiers on their 
way to Detroit — Expresses thanks that powder is no longer allowed to 
be sold to the hostile savages by the traders — Arrival of one hundred 
warriors, Sauteurs and Amikouecs — Numerous councils held between 
them and the French — M. la Motte demands of them the death of 
Le Pesant and three or four others — Hurons and Miamis determined 
to plunder the traders at Michiliniackinac 218 

CHAPTER XII. 

The governor-general orders the principal chiefs of the tribes engaged 
in the attack on Detroit, to descend to Montreal — They arrive June 
17, 1707 — Governor-general refuses to see them — Council called the 
next day — Jean la Blanc's speech — Second council, June 20th, speech 
of the governor-general — Third council, Jean le Blanc's reply — Fourth 



CONTENTS. 13 

council, governor-general again addresses the savages — Demands the 
death of Le Pesant — Finally refers the affair to M. la Motte Cadillac 
at Detroit — Last council : Jean le Blanc consents to the demands of 
the governor-general 232 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The chiefs proceed to Detroit — First council held by M. la Motte, August 
6th, 1707 — M. la Motte addresses the savages — Second council : Oton- 
tagon replies — Third council : M. la Motte addresses the Hurons and 
Miamis — Sastarexy replies — Fourth council : a general council of the 
Outawas, Hurons, and Miamis — M. la Motte's speech — Otontagon, 
Sastarexy, and Onaske address the council — M. la Motte demands the 
delivery of Le Pesant into the hands of the French — The chiefs finally 
accede to the demand 251 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Outawas and Kiskakons return to Michilimackinac — M. St. Pierre and 
soldiers from Detroit accompany them — Grand council convened — 
Difficulties settled — Le Pesant delivered up — Sent under guard to 
Detroit — M. St. Pierre returns to Quebec with Koutaouiliboe and 
Sakima — They arrive at Quebec, Octoher 7th, 1707 — Council convened 
■ — Speech of Koutaouiliboe, giving a minute statement of affairs at 
Detroit and Michilimackinac — Second council, governor-general's 
reply — Dismisses the chiefs with presents — -Letter from the governor- 
general to Father Marest, missionary at Michilimackinac 263 

CHAPTER XV. 

M. la Motte pardons Le Pesant — Dissatisfaction of the Miamis — They 
demand vengeance upon Le Pesant — Kill three Frenchmen and com- 
mit other depredations — Hurons and Iroquois raise war-parties to at- 
tack the French — M. la Motte complains that it is Jesuitical influence 
which occasions these disturbances — Asks for a re-enforcement of 
troops and a better fort — Advises the destruction of Fort Frontenac — 
Thinks a new fort below Fort Frontenac would afford better protec- 
tion to the passage to Detroit and Montreal — Complains of the Cou- 
reurs des Bois — Inspection of the several posts by M. d'Aigrement — He 
remains nineteen days at Detroit — Accuses M. la Motte of tyranny — 
Measures the valuable lands at Fort Pontchartrain — Only twenty-nine 
of the inhabitants landholders — Taxes — Asserts that the mainte- 



14: CONTENTS. 

nance of Detroit must be prejudicial to all Canada — Trouble at Detroit 
with tbe Miamis — Detailed account — Proceeds to Micbilimackinac — 
Considers it an important post — Describes its location and advantages 
— Urges tbe necessity of sending a commandant witb a good garrison 
— Approves of tbe ' ' permits' ' 276 

CHAPTER XVI. 

War between France and England — Englisb attempt tbe reduction of 
New France — Port Eoyal taken — Fifty thousand crowns raised by tbe 
merchants of Quebec to complete tbeir fortifications — Englisb unsuc- 
cessful — Outagamies suddenly make tbeir appearance — In 1712, Outa- 
gamies and Mascoutins attack Detroit — Long siege — Garrison relieved 
by tbeir allies — Tbe enemy routed, and nearly all destroyed — Letter 
from Fatber Marest to tbe governor-general, giving an account of tbe 
attack — Urges tbe re-establisbment of Micbilimackinac — Memorial 
of M. Begon, opposing tbe immediate re-establisbment of Micbili- 
mackinac 295 

CHAPTER XVII. 

France cedes to England large portions of territory in New France — 
Englisb attempt to conciliate the savages — Fail, through tbe influ- 
ence of Fatber Kane, a French Jesuit — English set a price on the 
head of the priest — Savages exasperated — Make incursions upon the 
English — Destroy their crops, but spare life — Outagamies trouble the 
French — In 1716, M. Louvigny proceeds to their country and obliges 
them to capitulate — Hostages die of small-pox at Quebec — M. Lou- 
vigny again visits the country of tbe Outagamies — Official report of 
M. Tonti's return from Quebec to Detroit 311 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Chiefs of the three villages at Detroit assembled in council — Orders of 
M. Vaudreuil — Speech of Sastarexy, the Huron orator — Unusual state 
of tranquillity in all New France — Increased number of settlers at 
Detroit — Enlargement of the stockade — Barracks erected — Canada in 
1725— Commencement of " the old French war" — Extensive warlike 
preparations made in the colonies — Arrival of French and English 
fleets off the coast of Newfoundland — Quebec taken by the English — 
Montreal and all the French possessions in the northwest ceded to 
England — Major Rogers takes possession of Detroit — Lieut. Leslie 



CONTENTS. 15 

takes possession of Michiliinackinac-Description of Mickilimackinac 
by Henry-Conspiracy of Pontiac-Massacre at Michilimackmac-Its 
reoccupancy— Removal of the fort to the island 320 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Detroit in 1763-Description by Bancroft-Number of French inhabit- 
ants-Enumeration in 1764-French farms-English fort-Gladwyn 
commander-Pontiac's plan for its destruction-His attempt and de- 
feat-Major Campbell's captivity and death-Continuation of the 
sie-e-Battle of Bloody Bridge-Indians obliged to disperse in search 
of food-Gladwyn provisions the garrison-Comparatively quiet win- 
ter-Fort le Noult built in 1778-Detroit in 1793-Description by 
Spencer— Americans take possession of Detroit in 1796 340 

CHAPTER XX. 

Localities of Detroit-The city in 1701-In 1763 and 1796-Eiver Savoy- 
ard-Settlements at Grosse Point, along the St. Clair river-French 
inhabitants-Domestic life-Increase of immigration-Settlements on 
the Detroit-Improved appearance of the country-Social life at De- 
troit-Business-French characteristics-Summer recreations -Le 
grand marais-Wmtev amusements-Easy life in the fort-Establish- 
ment of the civil government-Michigan territory organized-Detroit 
burned-Arrival of the government officers-Act of Congress for the 
relief of the sufferers by fire-Legislative board organized 365 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Judge Woodward's plan for the new city of Detroit-Survey of the city 
-Apportionment of lots-Incorporation of the Bank of Detroit-First 
code of laws published called the "Woodward Code"-Bank charter 
revoked in 1809-Land granted for St. Anne's church, Eoman Catho- 
lic-Building lots granted for boys' and girls' schools-Resolution to 
grant building lots to foreigners-Peter Desnoyers-Buildmg lot 
granted for a Protestant church-Tecumseh plans the destruction of 
Detroit-Disaffection of the Shawanese and Wyandots induces the in- 
habitants to build a stockade around the new city-Governor Hull 
effects a treaty with the Indian tribes in 1807-Facetious resolution 
of Jud°-e Woodward— Resolution concerning American manufactures— 
Answe°r to an official communication from Governor De Witt Clinton, 
and others, of the State of New York 378 



16 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Renewed disaffection of the Indians — Resolution to increase the mili- 
tary force — William Hull appointed commander-in-chief of the military- 
force of the northwest — Army of twelve hundred raised in Ohio — Gen. 
Hull proceeds to Detroit — Vessels containing valuables captured by 
the British — Orders from the Secretary of War— Army cross the river 
to Sandwich — Col. Cass takes Canard Bridge — Gen. Hull returns to 
Detroit without attacking Maiden — Surrenders Detroit to the British 
— Facts concerning the surrender obtained from an eye-witness — Col. 
Lewis Cass appointed governor 393 



EARLY 

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



CHAPTER I. 

Francis I. grants a commission to Jacques Cartier — Voyage of discovery 
— Second voyage — Ceremony of embarkation — Tempestuous voyage — 
Discovery and naming of the river St. Lawrence — Island of Hochelaga — 
Indian account of the Far West — Cartier names New France — Charter 
granted to Eoberval — He proceeds to America — Erects a fort on the 
coast — Colonization Company formed in 1603 — Expedition under the 
command of Champlain — Emigration of the Franciscans — Jesuits — 
Champlain appointed governor — Missionaries visit Saut Ste. Marie — 
Death of Eaymbault at Montreal — Jogues attempts to return to his 
missionary work — Taken prisoner by hostile savages — Eansomed by 
the Dutch — Rene Mesnard visits Lake Superior — Mysterious disap- 
pearance — Establishment of a mission at Saut Ste. Marie by Allouez 
and Marquette — Speech of Allouez — Death of Marquette. 

The enthusiasm awakened in Spain and England, at 
the beginning of the sixteenth century, by the discover- 
ies of Christopher Columbus and Sebastian Cabot, was 
soon communicated to impulsive France, and Francis I. 
granted a commission to Jacques Cartier, of St. Malo, to 
prosecute discoveries in the unknown regions of the ISTew 
World. 

Cartier's outfit for this expedition consisted of two 
ships, of sixty tons burden each, and a crew of sixty-one 



18 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Cartier's Voyage of Discovery — Second Voyage. 

efficient men. He set sail from St. Malo on the 20th of 
April, 1534. 

The Spaniards. already occupied Florida ; the English 
had taken possession of the middle portion of the con- 
tinent; the more northern regions, therefore, alone re- 
mained for the French, and thither the adventurous 
commander directed his course. His first voyage was 
merely a survey of the northern coast of Newfoundland, 
which was prosperously accomplished ; but fearing the 
disastrous effects of the autumnal storms upon his ships, 
he turned prow homeward, and arrived safely at St. 
Malo on the 15th of September, 1534. The favorable 
account which he gave of the voyage was well received 
at court, and preparations were immediately commenced 
for a second expedition. 

During the winter of 1534-5, three vessels were fitted 
out, which were to constitute the squadron of M. Car- 
tier. They were the Great Hermina, of about one hun- 
dred and twenty tons, which was the flag-ship ; the Little 
Hermina, of sixty tons ; and the Hermirillon, of forty 
tons. 

The day of embarkation, May 15th, 1535, at length 
arrived — a most important day at St. Malo. The ad- 
venturers, who were about to embark for the just-discov- 
ered, yet almost unknown world, were objects of general 
and enthusiastic interest ; and in this hour of separation 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 19 

Ceremony of Embarkation— St. Lawrence — Hochelaga. 

from kindred and country, the priests of their religion 
had prepared a gorgeous pageant for their future support 
and consolation. The officers and crew of the whole 
squadron, having confessed and received the sacrament, 
presented themselves before the altar in the spacious 
cathedral of St. Malo, where the bishop, arrayed hi sa- 
cerdotal robes of the most costly magnificence, bestowed 
on them his benediction. 

The voyage was very tempestuous. When the fleet 
arrived within sight of Newfoundland, they still con- 
tinued to sail to the westward, and entered a broad gulf 
on St. Lawrence day, in commemoration of which event 
they gave the name of St. Lawrence to the gulf, and to 
the river that flows into it. 

Crossing the gulf, Cartier ascended the river to the 
island of Orleans, where he arrived in September. Here 
the natives made him bountiful presents of corn and 
fish, but strongly opposed his farther progress. Disre- 
garding their opposition, he continued his course until 
he reached the island of Hochelaga. He found this 
beautiful island in the possession of a band of "Wy- 
andot Indians. Their principal village was circular in 
form, and contained about fifty houses, built of wood, 
and thatched with strips of bark ingeniously joined 
together. This village was at the base of a hill which 
commanded a magnificent prospect, to which Cartier 



20 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Cartier names New France — Roberval's Charter. 

gave the name of Mont-royal — the site of the present 
city of Montreal. 

Cartier was told by the natives that " there was, far 
away to the westward, a country called Saquenay 
(Saginaw?), where were great stores of gold and cop- 
per ; and that there were three great lakes, and a sea 
of fresh water so large that no man had ever found 
the end." 

Before leaving the island of Hochelaga, Cartier erect- 
ed a cross, and a shield emblazoned with the Fleur-de-lis, 
emblems of Church and State, and named the region of 
his discoveries New France. 

He departed on the 5th of October, wintered on the 
St. Croix river, and the following summer returned to 
France. On his arrival he reported that the country 
he had explored was destitute of gold and silver, and 
that its coast was bleak and stormy. 

The representations of Cartier, whose candor was 
known to be equal to his judgment and energy, so far 
checked the progress of French enterprise, that not until 
four years after his return was another expedition at- 
tempted. 

Early in the year 1540, Francis I. granted to Francois 
de la Roque, Seigneur de Roberval, a charter covering 
all the region north of the British occupancy, and in- 
vesting him with supreme power within its bounds. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 21 

Fort erected — 1603, Colonization Company formed 

During the summer of the same year, a squadron, con- 
sisting of five vessels, under the command of Admiral 
Cartier, and furnished with all the necessary men and 
provisions for founding a colony, bore Itoberval to his 
new possessions. The voyage was prosperous. On their 
arrival, a fort was erected — the location of which is now 
unknown — and Cartier was appointed commandant. 

Roberval immediately returned to France, and the 
same year brought thence a reinforcement of men, and 
a large supply of stores and arms, for the relief and 
protection of the fort. Nothing farther is known of 
this colony: indeed the history of New France, from 
that period to the founding of Quebec, is almost en- 
tirely lost. 

In 1603, a number of merchants of the city of Rouen, 
in France, formed a Colonization Company, designing 
to realize large profits from the fur-trade. A charter 
was obtained granting them the same privileges which, 
sixty years previously, had been bestowed upon H. de 
la Roque. 

The first expedition of this company was made the 
same year that the charter was granted, under the com- 
mand of Samuel Champlain, a member of the company, 
a bold, energetic man, and one well fitted for the ar- 
duous duties with which he was intrusted. 

In 1608, Champlain founded the city of Quebec. His 



22 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Quebec founded — Franciscans — Jesuits. 

time seems to have been employed during a few of the 
succeeding years in strengthening and improving the 
colony, and in making farther explorations. In 1611, 
he discovered the beautiful lake which still bears his 
name. 

Champlain made a voyage to France in 1612, and on 
his return brought with him four Franciscans, or Recol- 
lets, for the conversion of the savages in the vicinity of 
Quebec. Five years later he brought over his family, 
and entered with renewed vigor upon all the enterprises 
connected with colonial life. The colonists were greatly 
encouraged to find their governor willing thus to unite 
all his interests with theirs, and pursued the arduous 
labors, and endured the privations of their lot, with an 
energy and fortitude hitherto unknown. 

The adventure-loving and persevering Jesuits had 
formed a part of each emigrating band, and, in 1611, 
had established a mission among the savages. During 
many subsequent years, despite the efforts of Champlain 
and others who favored the Franciscans, the Jesuits ex- 
erted a controlling influence throughout New France ; 
though Hennepin asserts that " from the arrival of the 
Eeverend Father Martin de Yalence, one of the first of 
the Franciscan priests, to the year 1621, there had been 
five hundred converts of the Eecollets established in the 
New World." 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 23 

Jesuit College founded — Death of Champlain. 

In 1622, the Duke cle Ventadour, who had taken 
orders for the avowed purpose of aiding in converting 
the savages, sent over to Canada a large number of the 
Jesuits ; and in 1635 a college of the order was founded 
at Quebec, under the direction of the Marquis de Ga- 
mache. 

Samuel Champlain, first governor of New France, 
died in 1635. Under his administration the colony had 
been uniformly prosperous, and his loss was justly con- 
sidered a great calamity. Laninan, in his History of 
Michigan, pays the following tribute to his memory : 

" With a mind warmed into enthusiasm by the vast 
domain of wilderness which was stretched around him, 
and the glorious visions of future grandeur which its 
resources opened, a man of extraordinary hardihood 
and the clearest judgment, a brave officer and a sci- 
entific seaman, his keen forecast discerned, in the mag- 
nificent prospect of the country which he occupied, the 
elements of a mighty empire, of which he had hoped to 
be the founder. With a stout heart, and ardent zeal, he 
had entered upon the project of civilization ; he had dis- 
seminated valuable knowledge of its resources by his 
explorations, and had cut the way through hordes of 
savages for the subsequent successful progress of the 
French toward the lakes." 

M. de Montmagny succeeded Champlain as governor. 



24 EAELY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN". . 

Prosecution of the Fur-trade — Jesuits visit Saut Ste. Marie. 

The fur-trade was the principal object of his attention, 
and to prosecute this most effectually, the wilderness in 
the region of the St. Lawrence was explored ; and rude 
forts were erected as a means of defense to the trading- 
houses. Not far remote — a never-failing auxiliary — 
was the chapel of the Jesuit, surmounted by a cross. 

Gradually these explorations were extended westward 
until, in 1632, Father Sagard, a Jesuit missionary, as- 
cended the "great river of the Ottawas," and after 
enduring many hardships, reached the shores of Lake 
Huron. 

In September, 1641, Charles Raymbault and Isaac 
Jogues, two other Jesuit missionaries, who had pre- 
viously established a mission at the head of Pentangui- 
shine Bay — at that time the western terminus of the 
traveled route between Montreal and Lake Huron, 
by the way of the Ottawa river and Lake Simoe — 
embarked in a frail birch canoe, and pursued their 
course northwest, through the Georgian Bay and among 
the countless islands of the St. Marie's river. After a 
voyage of seventeen days, amid scenery of unequaled 
beauty, the crowning glory of all, Saut Ste. Marie, 
burst upon their enraptured vision. Here, where the 
evergreen of the unbroken forest was contrasted with 
the matchless beauty of the foam-crested waters, and 
the handiwork of Deity was everywhere strikingly man- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 25 

Indian Account of the Lake Superior Kegion. 

ifest, the weary voyageurs found a settlement of two 
thousand of nature's own children, the hospitable Chip- 
pewas. The chiefs of the tribe gave the travel-worn 
missionaries a cordial reception. " "We welcome you as 
brothers, and will profit by your words," was their as- 
surance, when the object of the long, wearisome journey 
had been explained. 

A few days' observation convinced the missionaries 
that the peculiar facility afforded by the rapids for 
catching the white-fish that abounded in those wa- 
ters, more than any other advantage of the location, 
was the great attraction which made the Saut de Ste. 
Marie the abiding-place of so large a number of the 
roving Aborigines^ 

The Chippewas informed their guests that, beyond the 
foaming rapids and the clear, placid Ste. Marie's river 
above, was a lake, called by them Gitchi Gomee (Great 
Water), larger than either Lake Huron or Lake Michi- 
gan, which was then called by the French Lac dcs Illi- 
nois. Beyond the western limits of Gitchi Gomee, the 
country was said to be destitute of trees, while countless 
herds of deer and buffalo roamed over the vast prairies. 
But that favored portion of the earth was inhabited by 
the Sioux, a warlike band, between whom and the Chip- 
pewas had long existed a deadly hatred. Thus were 
those choice hunting-grounds, to the Chippewas, like 



28 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Death of Eaymbault— Jogues' Captivity and Ransom. 

paradise to our first parents, protected from intrusion by 
the weapons of destruction. 

Very late in the autumn of the same year, 1641, the 
two missionaries returned to Pentanguishine, intending 
to revisit the Saut early the following spring. But the 
devoted Eaymbault was already the victim of that in- 
sidious disease, consumption, induced, no doubt, by the 
exposures and privations he had suffered ; and the fol- 
lowing year Father Jogues accompanied him to Quebec, 
where he died, in October, 1642. 

After the death of Eaymbault, Father Jogues attempt- 
ed to return to Saut Ste. Marie, but while ascending the 
St. Lawrence he was captured by a marauding band of 
Mohawk Indians. A small number of Huron Indians, 
who were with him, were also captured, and were 
burned at the stake. The missionary himself was sub- 
jected to the most ignominious treatment, but was finally 
ransomed by the Dutch in the vicinity of Albany. He 
returned to France, and subsequently revisited the scene 
of his labors in the New "World. 

On the 28th of August, 1660, Eene Mesnard, another 
Jesuit missionary, left Quebec, resolved, if possible, to 
make greater progress than his predecessors in the ex- 
ploration of the Northwest. He took with him only a 
scanty supply of the necessaries of life; "for," said 
he, "I trust in that Providence which feeds the little 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 27 



Mesnard's Explorations— Mysterious Disappearance. 



birds of the air, and clothes the wild-flowers of the 

desert." 

Soon after his arrival at Sant Ste. Marie, he ascended 
the river in a birch canoe, and coasted along the south- | 
em shore of GitcM Gomee. On the 15th of October he 
reached the head of Keweenaw Bay, to which he gave 
the name of St. Theresa— the day of his arrival being the i 
anniversary of that patron saint. 

Here in the wilderness, far removed from the comforts 
of civilization, did the old man (for he was past the me- 
ridian of life) spend the long dreary winter, with no 
other companions than the untutored red men. 

In the spring, accompanied only by a single Indian, 
he started for Chaquamegon Bay, near the head of the 
lake. They took the route through Portage Lake ; and 
while the Indian was engaged in carrying the canoe 
across the portage to Lake Superior, Father Mesnard 
wandered into the woods, and was never again heard of. 
The presentiment that he should never return to Quebec, 
which he had often expressed in letters to his friends, 
was thus verified, August 20th, 1661. 

Undaunted by the melancholy fate of his predecessors, 
resolved to gratify his own love of adventure, and at 
the same time benefit his fellow-men, Claude Allouez 
embarked at Three Eivers, August 8th, 1666, in com- 
pany with about four hundred Indians, who had been to 



28 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Claude Allouez — First Map of Lake Superior. 

Quebec for the purposes of trade, and were now returning 
home. Allouez was devotedly attached to the Order of 
Jesuits, and unwilling that any of their plans should fail 
to fully accomplish the desired object. No doubt his 
enthusiastic mind, in its solitary day-dreams, pictured 
hordes of savages converted from heathenism by his in- 
strumentality. 

The missionary and his savage companions arrived 
safely at Saut Ste. Marie early in September. From 
thence Father Allouez proceeded immediately to Lake 
Superior. " This lake," said he, " shall henceforth bear 
the name of M. de Tracy, in token of the obligations 
the people of this region owe to him." Accordingly, 
the first map of Lake Superior, drawn in 1668, and 
published in 1672, supposed to be the work of Al- 
louez and Marquette, bears the name of Lac Tracy ou 
Swperieit/r. 

Of this map, Dablon says : " It was got up by two 
Fathers, very intelligent and observing, who did not wish 
to incorporate any thing except what they had seen with 
their own eyes. That is the reason why they have only 
inserted the upper parts of Lakes Huron and Illinois, 
although they had coasted much on both." 

In "Foster and Whitney's Report of the Lake Superior 
Region," are the following observations : "When it is 
considered that these men were not engineers, and that 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 29 

Lake Superior a divinity— Copper region. 

to note the geographical features of the country formed 
no part of their requirements, this map may, for that 
age, be regarded as a remarkable production ; although, 
occasionally, points are laid down half a degree from 
their true position. The whole coast, sixteen hundred 
miles in extent, as well as the islands, were explored. 
Even Caribou, a low island in the midst of the lake, and 
not visible except within a few leagues, did not escape 
their observation." 

"The savages," remarks Allouez, "respect this lake as 
a divinity, and offer sacrifices to it because of its size, for 
it is two hundred leagues long, and eighty broad ; and 
also in consequence of its furnishing them with fish, upon 
which all the natives live, when hunting is scarce in 
these quarters." 

That the discovery of copper in those regions is not a 
recent event, is evident from the following description of 
Allouez. He says : " It frequently happens that pieces 
of copper are found, weighing from ten to twenty pounds. 
I have seen several such pieces in the hands of the sava- 
ges ; and, since they are very superstitious, they regard 
them as divinities, or as presents given to them to pro- 
mote their happiness, by the gods who dwell beneath 
the water. For this reason, they preserve these pieces 
of copper, wrapped up with their most precious articles. 
In some families they have been kept for more than fifty 



30 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Eock of Copper — Chaquamagon Bay. 

years ; in others, they have descended from time out of 
mind, being cherished as domestic gods. 

" For some time there was seen near the shore a large 
rock of copper, with its top rising above the water, which 
gave opportunities to those passing by to cut pieces from 
it ; but when I passed that vicinity, it had disappeared. 
I believe that the gales, which are frequent, like those of 
the sea, had covered it with sand. One savage tried to 
persuade me that it was a divinity, who had disappeared, 
but for what cause he was unwilling to tell." 

At the bay called by Father Mesnard Ste. Theresa, 
Father Allouez found " two Christian women, witnesses 
of Mesnard's labors, who had preserved their faith, and 
sparkled like two stars in the midst of the darkness of 
infidelity. Having refreshed their memories with our 
mysteries, we proceeded on. After having traveled one 
hundred and eighty leagues along the border of the lake, 
on the southern side, where the Lord often tried our pa- 
tience by means of gales, famine, and fatigue, both day 
and night, we landed, on the first day of October, at 
Chaquamagon, a beautiful bay, on whose margin dwelt 
numerous savages. Their warriors amounted to eight 
hundred men." 

Chaquamagon is the old La Pointe of the voyageurs. 
There this self-denying missionary lived two years. He 
built a chapel, and zealously prosecuted the work of win- 



EAELT HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 31 

Allouez visits Fond du Lac— Interview with the Sioux. 

ning converts to his own faith. "When he first arrived, 
he learned that the Chippewas were about making a 
warlike expedition against the Sioux ; but being permit- 
ted to advise, he had the satisfaction of diverting them 
from their bloody enterprise. 

The fame of Allouez extended to all the surrounding 
tribes, who gathered around the mission-house to gratify 
that curiosity which is an inherent quality in every 
human breast, mingled, no doubt, with an indefinable 
desire to be benefited by his insfructions. 

Some time during the two years of his sojourn, he vis- 
ited Fond du Zac, where he met a number of the Sioux, 
who informed him that there was a vast country still 
farther west, spread out in beautiful prairies, over which 
roamed immense herds of buffalo. They also told him 
of a great river called Messepi (Mississippi), along whose 
banks dwelt the beaver. 

Allouez also extended his labors to the Nipissisiniens, 
on the north shore of the lake. Becoming more and 
more deeply interested in the spiritual necessities of 
the Indians, he returned to Quebec in the fall of 1667, 
to obtain aid in establishing missions in different parts 
of the Northwest. So successful were his appeals, that 
only two days after his arrival, having accomplished 
his object, he again set out on his return to the wil- 
derness. 



32 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Mission established at Saut Ste. Marie — Grand Council 

The following year, 1668, Claude Dablon and James 
Marquette proceeded to Saut Ste. Marie, and established 
a permanent mission. From this period, therefore, Saut 
Ste. Marie dates its actual settlement, being, according 
to Bancroft, the oldest in the State of Michigan. 

In 1669, Marquette succeeded Allouez at Chaquama- 
gon, or La Pointe, and the latter established himself at 
Green Bay. 
r "In May, 1671," says Foster and "Whitney's Report, 
/ "a grand council assembled at Saut Ste. Marie. The 
chiefs from fourteen of the tribes of the North-west and 
the soldiers of France sat in council together. M. 
Fallon, then governor-general of New France, had sent 
there M. de Lusson, to take possession, in the name of 
His Majesty, of all the lands lying between the east and 
west, and from Montreal to the south, as far as it could 
be done. When the tribes were assembled, the ambas- 
sador selected a hill above the village, planted the 
standard of the cross, and raised the arms of the king. 
The cross was blessed with all the ceremonies of the 
Church, by the superior of the missions; and while 
being raised, the Vexilla was chanted by the assembled 
Frenchmen, to the great delight of the savages. The 
Bhield of France was suspended from a cedar post above 
the cross, while they chanted the Msaudiat, and prayers 
were offered for the sacred person of His Majesty. 



I 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 33 

St. Lusson takes possession of the Country. 

" St. Lusson formally took possession of the lands ; 
after which guns were fired, and other manifestations of 
joy exhibited. 

" Father Allouez was present, mindful of the interests 
of his divine as well as temporal master. He pro- 
nounced the following panegyric on the king, which is 
worthy of being preserved : 

" ' It is a most important affair that calls us together. 
Cast your eyes on that cross which is high above your 
heads. It is there where the Son of God was willing to 
be attached and to die, in order to satisfy His eternal 
Father for your sins. He is the master of our lives, and 
also of heaven, and earth, and hell. It is He of whom 
I have often spoken, and whose name and word I have 
borne into these distant lands. 

" ' But, at the same time, look upon that other column, 
to which are attached the arms of that great chief of 
France whom we call king. He lives beyond the sea. 
He is the chief of chiefs, and has not his like in the 
world. All the chiefs of whom you have heard are but 
children compared with him. He is like a great tree, 
while they are mere shrubs which we tread upon. You 
know Onontio (the governor-general), the renowned chief 
of Quebec. You know that he is the terror of the Iro- 
quois, and that his name is sufficient to make them 
tremble, since he has desolated their lands, and carried 



34 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Allouez' panegyric on the King of France. 

fire among their settlements. There are beyond the 
sea, ten thousand Onontios like him, who are but war- 
riors of the great chief, our king, of whom I speak. 
When he says, "I go to war," everybody obeys, and 
these ten thousand chiefs raise bands of warriors both 
for the land and the sea. Some embark in ships, like 
those you have seen at Quebec. Your canoes will hold 
but four or five men, twelve at the utmost. Our vessels 
carry four or five hundred, and even a thousand. 

" ' Another portion go to war on land, but in such 
numbers that when arranged in double ranks, they 
would reach to Mississaquenk, which is twenty leagues 
from here. When he attacks, he is more fearful than 
thunder. The earth trembles, and the air and sea are 
on fire from the discharges of his cannon. He has been 
seen in the midst of his squadron covered with the blood 
of his enemies; so many of whom has he put to the 
sword, that he does not number their scalps, but merely 
the rivers of blood which he causes to flow. He carries 
such a number of captives with him that he does not 
value them, but lets them go when they please, to show 
that he does not fear them. Nobody dare make war on 
him. All nations beyond the sea have sued for peace 
with great submission. They come from every quarter 
of the globe to listen to him, and to admire him. It is 
'he who decides upon the affairs of the world. 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 35 

Mission at St. Ignace— Exploration of Marquette. 

" ' What shall I say of his riches ? You think your- 
selves rich when you have ten or twelve sacks of corn, 
and hatchets, and kettles, and other things of the kind. 
He has more cities than you have men, which are scat- 
tered over a space of more than five hundred leagues. 
In each city there are hatchets enough to cut all your 
wood, kettles enough to cook all your caribou, and sugar 
enough to fill all your wigwams. His house extends 
farther than from here to the Saut, is higher than the 
tallest of your trees, and contains more people than the 
largest of your settlements ever contained.' 

"The same year Marquette removed to St. Ignace, 
north of Mackinac. Here he built a chapel and gath- 
ered about him the wandering Hurons. Marquette and 
Dablon made numerous excursions to the tribes which 
dwelt in the territory now embraced in northern Illinois 
and eastern Wisconsin. 

"Marquette, like Allouez, had heard marvelous ac- 
counts of the region beyond the great lake, and longed 
to explore it ; but it was not until the year 1673 that he 
was enabled to carry his project into execution. His 
route lay up the Fox river through Lake Winnebago, 
and thence down the Wisconsin into the Mississippi. 
In this expedition he was accompanied by Joylet, a 
courtier of France. They descended the mighty current 
as far as the Arkansas, and then turned back. They 



36 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Chicago — Death of Marquette. 

represented that they were hospitably entertained by the 
Illinois, who dwelt npon its banks, while by other tribes 
they were repulsed. 

"The relation of this voyage of Marquette was not 
published until some time after his death, and by some 
was considered fabulous, but Bancroft is disposed to 
adopt it as worthy of entire credence. / 

" Late in the season, the voyageurs reached Chicago. 
Joylet hastened to Quebec to announce the result of 
their discoveries, while Marquette remained to plant the 
standard of the Cross among the Miamis. 

"The manner of his death is thus narrated by Ban- 
croft. 'In sailing from Chicago to Mackinac during 
the following spring, he entered a little river in Mich- 
igan. Erecting an altar, he said mass after the rites of 
the Catholic Church ; then begging the men who con- 
ducted his canoe to leave him alone for half an hour — 

1 In the darkling wood, 
Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down 
And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks 
And supplication.' 

" ' At the end of half an hour they went to seek him, 
and he was no more. The good missionary, discoverer 
of a world, had fallen asleep on the margin of a stream 
that bears his name. 'Near the mouth, the voyageurs 
dug his grave in the sand.' 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 37 

Allouez, Marquette, and Jogues — Catholic Converts. 

_ , f, 

" This event. happened May 18th, 16T5. 

" Allouez died soon after, in the midst of his labors 
among the Miamis. 

"Allouez, Marquette, and Jogues were remarkable 
men ; and had their lots been cast in a different sphere, 
they would have left a more durable impress upon the 
age in which they lived. Their efforts to win the tribts 
of the Northwest to the standard of the Cross, prose- 
cuted with great zeal, and under circumstances of pri- 
vation and suffering, may be regarded as abortive. 

" There is something impressive in the rites of the 
Catholic Church, something in its mysteries calculated 
to overawe the wild men of the woods. So long as the 
missionary was in then* midst and superintended their 
labors, they yielded to his guidance and adopted his 
recommendations, so far at least as conduced to their 
comfort; but when he withdrew, with equal facility 
they glided into their former habits. The superstruc- 
ture, raised with so much care, fell to the ground the 
moment the sustaining hand was withdrawn. 

" The effect of the contact of the two races has been 
to afford the Indian additional incentives to vice, while 
his intellectual and moral elevation has been little ad- 
vanced ; and at this day, it cannot be said that he stands 
higher in the scale of civilization than when first known 
by the white man." 



CHAPTER II. 

Count Frontenac appointed Governor-General of New France — Fort 
Frontenac built — La Salle appointed Commandant — Eesigns his com- 
mand — Crosses Lake Ontario — Ascends the Niagara river— Builds the 
Griffin — Traverses lakes and rivers to Michilimackinac — Indian vil- 
lages on the Detroit — Storm on Lake Huron— Michilimackinac — Sig- 
nification of the name — Murder of two French traders — Arrest of the 
murderers — Their trial and execution. 

Frequent changes occurred in the administration of 
the colonial affairs of New France, from the death of 
Champlain, in 1635, to the year 1672, when the Count 
de Frontenac was appointed governor-general. He was 
the god-son of Louis XIII., and was honored with his 
name. 

Brave, judicious, and energetic, Frontenac was well 
qualified to manage the affairs of this new province. 
His first efforts were directed to the extension of the 
French interests in the region of the great lakes. Under 
his guidance and encouragement, the posts at Michili- 
mackinac and Saut Ste. Marie were established, former 
explorations perfected, and conciliatory treaties made 
with the immense hordes of Indians who roamed through 
that far-off wilderness. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 39 

Old Route to the Upper Lakes — La Salle — Fort Frontenac. 

The route by which the Jesuits and traders penetrated 
into these wilds was by way of the Ottawa river, with 
its numerous rapids, and consequent toilsome portages, 
as far as Little River. Ascending this stream, they 
crossed numerous small lakes to Lake Nepissing, thence 
down the French river to Georgian Bay, which forms 
the eastern portion of Lake Huron. Birch canoes, so 
light as to be carried over the portages on the shoulders 
of one or two men, were their ships ; while their stores, 
and munitions of war, consisted only of such articles as 
could be transported in like manner. 

While Mesnard, Allouez, Marquette, and others were 
thus exploring the far Northwest, La Salle, with another 
band of adventurers, ascended the St. Lawrence to Lake 
Ontario. Near the outlet of the lake, on the northern 
shore, they established a trading-post to which they gave 
the name of Fort Frontenac, in honor of the governor- 
general. 

Robert, Chevalier de la Salle, was appointed comman- 
dant. He was a man of genius, enterprise, undoubted 
talent, and indomitable perseverance, and the originator 
of the plan for a chain of fortifications afterward estab- 
lished on the water-line in the Northwest. Ambitious 
to complete the exploration of the Mississippi which 
had been begun by Marquette, and unwilling to under- 
take the voyage in the frail canoes hitherto employed, 



40 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Griffin, first Vessel on Lake Erie— Louis Hennepin. 

he formed the design of building a vessel suitable for 
his purpose. Accordingly, he resigned his command at 
Fort Frontenac, traversed the length of Lake Ontario, 
ascended the Niagara river to the great cataract, where 
he " made the portage." Two leagues above the great 
fall he erected a rude fortification, and commenced his 
work, undaunted by the numerous difficulties that sur- 
rounded him. Late in the autumn of 1678 the keel of 
the vessel was laid, and on the 7th of August, 1679, she 
set sail on the first voyage which had ever been made 
by Europeans upon that inland sea, amid the sound of 
Te Deums and the discharge of arquebuses. 

The vessel was called the Griffin, and the image of 
that mythological animal was carved upon her prow. 
She was of sixty tons burden, and carried five guns. 
La Salle was her commander, and Louis Hennepin, the 
missionary, ardently zealous in the pursuit of new dis- 
coveries, was the journalist of the expedition. The crew 
consisted of fur-traders belonging to the Canadian colo- 
nies. Ignorant of the depth of the water, they sounded 
frequently while dashing along over Lake Erie's foam- 
crested waves. On the 10th of August they reached the 
islands which are grouped at the entrance of Detroit 
river, where they anchored. 

Hennepin says of these islands : " They are the finest 
in the world. The strait (detroit) is finer than Niagara, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 41 



Detroit Eiver— Teuchsagrondie — Storm on Lake Huron. 



being one league broad, excepting that part which forms 
the lake that we have called St. Clair." 

Ascending the river, the explorers found along its 
banks several Indian villages, belonging to different 
tribes who were at peace with each other. A large 
village of the Hurons, called Teuchsagrondie, stood on 
the present site of Detroit. These villages had been 
visited by the Jesuit missionaries, and the coureurs des 
hois, but no settlement had yet been attempted. 

On Lake Huron, La Salle's vessel encountered a vio- 
lent storm, and was in imminent danger of shipwreck. 
The pilot was a skillful and experienced seaman. While 
the rest were saying their prayers and preparing for 
death, he stood at the rudder, " cursing La Salle, who 
had brought him hither to perish in a dirty lake, and 
lose the glory he had acquired by his long and prosper- 
ous navigation of the ocean." 

At length the storm abated, and the following clay the 
Griffin lay anchored in a little cove opposite the island 
of Michilimackinac, sheltered on the north by a point of 
the peninsula on which stood a village of the Hurons. 
The word Michilimackinac* (great turtle) is a most 



* Schoolcraft says that the present Indian signification of the name of 
this island is " Place of the Dancing Spirits," and that the popular ety- 
mology, which derives the word from "big turtle," dates still farther 
back, and is founded on the fact that the michi were turtle spirits. 



42 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Michilimackinae— Signification — Habits of the Savages. 

significant name for this island. It is nearly round, and 
rises high above the water, at first view appearing not 
unlike a gigantic specimen of the animal whose name it 
bears. The French gave the same appellation to all the 
country in the immediate vicinity, both on the upper and 
lower peninsula. 

Father Hennepin says : " Michilimackinae is a neck 
of land to the north of the strait through which the lake 
of the Illinois discharges itself into Lake Huron. "We 
lay between two different nations of the savages ; those 
who inhabit the point of Michilimackinae are called 
Hurons, and the others, who are about three or four 
leagues more northward, are Outawas." 

Describing the habits of the savages, he says : " They 
sow Indian corn, which is their ordinary food, for they 
have nothing else to live upon, except the fish they take 
from the lakes. They boil their fish with their saga- 
mittee, a kind of broth made of water and the flour of 
corn, which they beat in a mortar made of the trunk of 
a tree, which they make hollow by fire." 

In 1683 two French traders, Jacques le Maire and 
Colin Berthot, left Saut Ste. Marie with a large quantity 
of merchandise, which they were carrying to Kiaonan, 
an Indian village and trading-post on the shore of Lake 
Superior. They were murdered on the way by three 
Indians, belonging to two different tribes, who secreted 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 43 



Murder of French Traders— Bravery of Du Lhut and Pere. 



their bodies and the merchandise which they had in 
their custody. 

As soon as a knowledge of the affair reached M. du 
Lhut, commandant at Michilimackinac, he at once set 
about bringing the offenders to justice. Almost alone, 
in the far-off wilderness, with but a handful of French- 
men in the whole region, at the mercy of countless 
hordes of savages, the daring intrepidity exhibited by 
M. du Lhut and M. Pere has scarcely a parallel in the 
history of the settlement of this country. 

The following letter from M. du Lhut to Count Fron- 
tenac, governor-general of Canada, gives a minute and 
interesting account of the occurrence : 

" Michilimackinac, April 12, 1684. 

" Monsieuk : — I did myself the honor to write to you 
in September and October of last year, giving an ac- 
count of a murder committed by the children of Achi- 
ganaga. Allow me now to inform you of the means I 
used to avenge the death of the two assassinated French- 
men of whom I spoke. 

" To follow the affair step by step, be pleased to know, 
sir, that on the 24th of October last, I was told that 
Folle-Avoine, accomplice in the murder and robbery of 
the two Frenchmen, had arrived at Saut Ste. Marie, with 
fifteen families of the Sauteurs, who had fled from Cha- 



44 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

__ 

M. du Lhut, with only six men, proceeds to the Saut. 

ouamigon, on account of an attack which they, together 
with the people of the land, made last spring upon the 
Nadouecioux. 

" He believed himself safe at the Saut, on account of 
the number of allies and relatives he had there. f Rev. 
Father Albanet informed me that the French at the 
Saut, being only twelve in number, had not arrested 
him, believing themselves too weak to contend with 
such numbers, especially as the Sauteurs had declared 
that they would not allow the French to redden the land 
of their fathers with the blood of their brothers. 

" On receiving this information, I immediately re- 
solved to take with me six Frenchmen, and embark at 
the dawn of the next day for the Saut Ste. Marie, and, 
if possible, obtain possession of the murderer. I made 
known my design to the Rev. Father Enialran ; and at 
my request, as he had some business to arrange with 
Rev. Father Albanet, he placed himself in my canoe. 

" Having arrived within a league of the village of the 
Saut, the Rev. Father, the Chevalier de Fourcille, Car- 
donniere and I, disembarked. I caused the canoe, in 
which were Baribaud, Le Mere, La Fortune, and Magons, 
to proceed, while we went across the wood to the house 
of the Rev. Father, fearing that the savages, seeing me, 
might suspect the object of my visit, and cause Folle- 
Avoine to escape. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 45 

Arrest of Folle-Avoine— Council called — Achiganaga accused. 

"Finally, to cut the matter short, I arrested him, 
and caused him to be guarded day and night by six 
Frenchmen. 

" I then called a council, at which I requested all the 
savages of the place to be present, where I repeated what 
I had often said to the Hurons and Ottawas since the 
departure of M. Pere, giving them the message you 
ordered me, sir, that in case there should be among 
them any spirits so evil- disposed as to follow the exam- 
ple of those who have murdered the French on Lake 
Superior and Lake Michigan, they must separate the 
guilty from the innocent, as I did not wish the whole 
nation to suffer, unless they protected the guilty. 

"I informed them that I expected those present to 
declare themselves ; that if there were any factious 
spirits who intended to shield Folle-Avoine, I might 
know them, and they would see that I did not fear them 
enough to prevent me from doing my duty. 

"The savages held several councils to which I was 
invited ; but their only object seemed to be to exculpate 
the prisoner, in order that I might release him. All 
united in accusing Achiganaga and his children, assu- 
ring themselves with the belief that M. Pere, with his 
detachment, would not be able to arrest them, and wish- 
ing to persuade me that they apprehended that all the 
Frenchmen might be killed. 



46 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

French threatened — Intrepidity of M. du Lhut. 

" I answered them, in respect to Folle-Avoine, that I 
was not obliged to believe a man whom I looked upon 
as having helped to shed the blood of my brothers ; that 
meanwhile, in consequence of the submission to the orders 
of Onontio, their father, which they manifested, I should 
determine nothing, until I might be better informed of 
the facts ; and, moreover, if I had no more convincing 
proof against him than that which was already known 
to me, I would give him back to them. If, on the con- 
trary, it was true that he was of the number of the 
assassins, I would see in what way I would dispose of 
him. As to the anticipated death of M. Pere, as well 
as of the other Frenchmen, that would not embarrass me, 
since I believed neither the allies nor the nation of Achi- 
ganaga would wish to have a war with us to sustain an 
action so dark as that of which we were speaking. So, 
having only to attack a few murderers, or at most those 
of their own family, I was certain that the French would 
have them, dead or alive. This was all the answer they 
had from me during the three days that the councils 
lasted; after which I embarked, at ten o'clock in the 
morning, sustained by only twelve Frenchmen, to show 
a few seditious persons, who boasted of taking the pris- 
oner away from me, that the French did not fear them. 

" I received accounts daily of the numbers of savages 
that Achiganaga drew from his nation to Kiaonan, under 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 47 

M. Pero arrests Achiganaga and his four Sons. 

pretext of going to war in the spring against the Na- 
douecioux, to avenge the death of one of his relatives, 
son of Onenaus, but really to protect himself against us, 
in case we should become convinced that his children 
had killed the Frenchmen. This precaution placed me 
between hope and fear respecting the expedition which 
M. Pere had undertaken. 

" On the 24th of November he came across the wood, 
at ten o'clock at night, to tell me that he had arrested 
Achiganaga and four of his children. He said it was 
true that they were not all guilty of the murder, but he 
had thought proper, in this affair, to follow the custom 
of the savages, which is, to seize all the relatives. 
Folle-Avoine, whom I had arrested, he considered the 
most guilty, being without doubt the originator of the 
mischief. 

" I immediately gave orders that Folle-Avoine should 
be more closely confined, and not be allowed to speak to 
any one ; for I had also learned that he had a brother, 
sister, and uncle in the village of the Kiskakons. 

"M. Pere informed me that he had released the 
youngest son of Achiganaga, aged about thirteen or 
fourteen years, that he might make known to their 
nation, and to the Sauteurs who were at Nocke and in 
the neighborhood, the reason why the French had ar- 
rested his father and brothers. M. Pere bade him 



48 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Prisoners brought to Saut Ste. Marie — Council called. 

assure the savages that ' if any one wished to complain 
of what he had done, he would wait for them with a 
firm step ;' for he considered himself in a condition to 
set them at defiance, having found at Kiaonan eighteen 
Frenchmen who had wintered there. However, no one 
opposed his design. 

" On the 25th, at break of day, M. Pere embarked at 
the Saut, with four good men whom I gave him, to go and 
meet the prisoners. He had left them four leagues from 
there, under a guard of twelve Frenchmen, and at two 
o'clock in the afternoon they arrived. I had prepared a 
room in my house for the prisoners, in which they were 
placed under a strong guard, and were not allowed to 
converse with any one. 

" On the 26th, I commenced proceedings ; and this, 
sir, is the course I pursued. I gave notice to all the 
chiefs and elders to appear at the council which I had 
appointed, and gave to Folle-Avoine the privilege of 
selecting two of his relatives to support his interests ; 
and to the other prisoners I made the same offer. 

" The council being assembled, I sent for Folle-Avoine 
to be interrogated, and caused his answers to be written ; 
and afterwards they were read to him, and inquiry made 
whether they were not, word for word, what he had said. 
He was then removed from the council under a safe 
guard. I used the same form with the two eldest sons 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 49 

Testimony committed to writing— Confrontation of the Prisoners. 

of Achiganaga; and as Folle-Avoine had indirectly 
charged the father with being accessory to the murder, 
I sent for him, and also for Folle-Avoine, and bring- 
ing them into the council, confronted the four. Folle- 
Avoine and the two sons of Achiganaga accused each 
other of committing the murder, without denying that 
they were participators in the crime. Achiganaga alone 
strongly maintained that he knew nothing of the design 
of Folle-Avoine, nor of his children, and called on them 
to say if he had counselled them to kill the Frenchmen. 
They answered ' JSTo !' 

" This confrontation, which the savages did not ex- 
pect, surprised them ; and seeing the prisoners had con- 
victed themselves of the murder, the chiefs said : ' It is 
enough, you accuse yourselves ; the French are masters 
of your bodies.' 

"The next day I held another council, in which I 
said there could be no doubt that the Frenchmen had 
been robbed and murdered ; that the murderers were 
known, and that they knew what the practice was 
among themselves on similar occasions. To all this 
they said nothing, which obliged me on the following 
day to hold another council in the cabin of Brochet, 
where, after having spoken, and seeing that they would 
make no decision, and that all my councils ended only 
in reducing tobacco to ashes, I told them that since 



50 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Savage Customs — French Council— Threats of the Savages. 

they did not wish to decide, I should take the responsi- 
bility, and that the next day I would let them know the 
determination of the French and myself. 

" It is proper, sir, you should know that I observed 
all these ceremonies only to see if they would feel it 
their duty to render to us the same justice that they do 
to each other, having had divers examples of similar 
cases in which, when the tribes of those who had com- 
mitted the murder did not wish to go to war with the 
tribe aggrieved, the nearest relations of the murderers 
killed them themselves, that is to say, man for man. 

" On the 29th of November I gathered together the 
French that were here, and after the interrogations and 
answers of the accused had been read to them, the guilt 
of all three appeared so evident, from their own con- 
fessions, that the vote was unanimous that all three 
should die. But, as the French, who remained at 
Kiaonan to pass the winter, had written to Father 
Enialran and to myself, to beg of us to treat the affair 
with all possible leniency, the savages declaring that if 
they made the prisoners die they would avenge them- 
selves on the French. 

" I told the gentlemen who were with me in council, 
that this being an affair without a precedent, I believed 
it was expedient, for the safety of all the French who 
would pass the winter in the Lake Superior country, to 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 51 

The Decision— Council of the Chiefs— Speech of M. du Lhut 

put to death only two, as the death of the third might 
bring about grievous consequences ; while, on the con- 
trary, the putting to death of man for man could give 
the savages no cause for complaint, since this is their 
own custom under the circumstances. 

M. de la Tour, chief of the Fathers, who had served 
much, sustained my opinions by strong reasoning ; and 
all the gentlemen whom I had called in council decided 
that two should be shot, namely, Folle-Avoine, and the 
elder of the two brothers, while the younger should be 
released, and hold his life as a gift from you, sir. 

" I then returned to the cabin of Brochet with Messrs. 
Boisguillot, Pere, De Kepentigny, De Manthet, De la 
Ferte, and Macons, where were all the chiefs of the 
Outawas du Sable, Outawas Sinagos, Kiskakons, Sau- 
teurs, Mississagues, D'Achiliny, a part of the Hurons, 
and Oumamens, chief of the Amikoys. I informed them 
of our decision, telling them, that, not being ignorant 
of the murder committed on the two Frenchmen, and 
knowing all the murderers, I was surprised that no one 
dared to decide for us, and cause justice to be done. 
Meanwhile, Onontio had lost his blood, it was yet warm, 
and it was necessary to have other blood to satisfy him. 

"I then informed them that the Frenchmen having 
been killed by two different nations, one of each nation 
must die, and that the same death they had caused the 



52 EARLY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 

Two Murderers sentenced to Death— Surprise of the Savages. 

French to suffer, they must also suffer ; therefore they 
must be shot ; that, to the third prisoner, you, sir, would 
give his life, on condition that he would tell all his allies 
the great kindness you had clone him. I told them that 
if I did not relax the rigor of our laws, I should put to 
death all six of those who had participated in the theft, 
and perhaps contributed to the murder by their wicked 
counsel, but for this time I hoped you would not con- 
demn me for my mildness. 

" This decision, to put the murderers to death, was a 
hard stroke to them all, for none had believed that I 
would dare undertake it. 

" The Outawas du Sable, and the Outawas Sinagos, in 
order to have no trouble with you, sir, had appeared to 
blame their conduct, and not to care what became of 
them ; but then, Falon Seleva, chief of the Outawas du 
Sable, after a long harangue, concluded that, if I dared, 
I would give them life. 

" The chief of the Outawas Sinagos said that he had 
captured some of the Iroquois, and that M. Courcelle 
asked him to deliver them over to him, promising that 
they should have their life, and that I ought to do the 
same by the prisoners. The Sauteurs having left the 
Saut, had appointed Oumamens, chief of the Amikoys, 
to speak for them. He thanked me that I had satisfied 
myself with so little, praising the Frenchman for his 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 53 

Reasons given in Council for condemning the Murderers. 

good heart, winch prompted him to release the father 
and three of his children. The other nations said 
nothing. 

" The diiferent sentiments expressed, made me reply 
to the first, that if the accused were prisoners of war, I 
should do myself the pleasure to give them their life ; 
but, being murderers, it was necessary they should die, 
as an example to those who might have similar de- 
signs, and, by this fear, would be prevented from com- 
mitting murder so easily, especially from taking the 
lives of Frenchmen. I told them they knew very well 
that I loved all men, but that I did not fear them enough 
to prevent me from executing your orders, which are, 
to cause those to die who kill the French ; that, having 

3 5 O 

become master of those who had killed your first chil- 
dren, if I did not cause them to be put to death, you 
would believe it was the fear I had of men ; and that as 
soon as I should come into your presence, you would 
make me suffer the death which their crime deserved. 
Besides, I was not the author of their death, but only 
spoke the sentiments of all the elders. 

" I also reminded them that this was but the fruit of 
their own teachings : they had taught their youth that 
to kill a Frenchman was not an affair of much im- 
portance, since one was acquitted for a captive or a 
pack of beaver ; for, till now, no more troublesome con- 



54 EARLY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 

Prisoners baptized — Executed— Goods found. 

sequences than these had befallen those who had mur- 
dered. But, had they taught their young men that 
murder was a wicked thing, and, if committed, the 
nation would abandon them, they would have been 
more wise, and the Frenchmen would still be alive. 

" I then left the council, and asked the Rev. Fathers 
if they wished to baptize the prisoners, which they 
did. 

" An hour after, I put myself at the head of forty-two 
Frenchmen, and in sight of more than four hundred 
savages, and within two hundred paces of their fort, I 
caused the two murderers to be shot. 

"The impossibility of keeping them till spring, to 
send them to you, sir, made me hasten their death, 
being persuaded that in such cases prompt execution is 
necessary to calm all things, and not to give time to 
interested persons to take measures to get away the 
prisoners. 

"When M. Pere made the arrest, those who had 
committed the murder confessed it ; and when he asked 
them what they had done with our goods, they answered 
that they were almost all concealed. He immediately 
proceeded to the place of concealment, and was very 
much surprised, as were also the French who were with 
him, .to find the goods in fifteen or twenty different 
places. By the carelessness of the savages, the tobacco 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 55 

Tobacco and Powder destroyed— Discovery of the Bodies. 

and powder were entirely destroyed, having been placed 
in the pinery, under the roots of the trees, and being 
soaked in the water caused by ten or twelve days' con- 
tinued rain, which inundated all the lower country. 
The season for snow and ice having come, they had all 
the trouble in the Avorld to get out the bales of cloth. 
They then went to see the bodies, but could not remove 
them, these miserable wretches having thrown them into 
a marsh, and thrust them down into holes which they 
had made. Not satisfied with that, they had also piled 
branches of trees upon the bodies, to prevent them from 
floating when the water should rise in the spring ; 
hoping that, by this precaution, the French would find 
no trace of those who were killed, but would believe 
them drowned, by being upset, as they reported that 
they had found in the lake, on the other side of the 
Portage, a boat with the sides all broken in, which they 
believed to be a French boat. 

" Those goods which the French were able to secure, 
they took to Kiaonan, where were a number of French- 
men, who had gone there to pass the winter, and who 
knew nothing of the death of Colin Berthot and Jacques 
le Maire, until M. Pere arrived. The ten who formed 
H. Pere's detachment, having conferred together con- 
cerning the measures they should take to prevent a total 
loss, decided to sell the goods to the highest bidder. 



56 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Rescued Goods sold— M. Pere and the Savages. 

The sale was made for 1100 Uvres, which amount was 
to be paid in beavers, to M. de la Chesnaye, to whom I 
send the names of the purchasers. 

"The savages who were present when Achiganaga 
and his children were arrested, wished to dance the 
calumet to M. Pere, and give him captives to satisfy 
him for the murder committed on the two Frenchmen; 
but he knew their intention, and would not accept their 
offer. He told them neither a hundred captives nor a 
hundred packs of beaver would give back the blood of 
his brothers ; that the murderers must be given up to 
me, and I would see what I would do. 

"I caused M. Pere to repeat these things in the 
council, that in future the savages need not think by 
presents to save those who commit similar deeds. Be- 
sides, sir, M. Pere showed plainly, by his conduct in 
investigating this affair, that he is not so strongly in- 
clined to favor the savages as was reported. Indeed I 
do not know any one whom they fear more, yet who 
flatters them less, or knows them better. 

" The criminals being in two different places, M. Pere 
being himself obliged to keep four of them, sent Messrs. 
de Repentigny, Manthet, and six other Frenchmen, to 
arrest the two who were among their people eight 
leagues in the woods, which they did promptly and 
vigorously. Among others. M. de Kepentigny and M. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 57 

Chevrotiere— Peace Councils— Mutual Gifts. 

cle Manthet showed that they feared nothing when their 
honor called them. 

" M. de la Chevrotiere has also served well in person 
and by his advice, having indicated the place where the 
prisoners were. Achiganaga, who had adopted him as 
a son, had told him where he should hunt during the 
winter. 

"Two days after the murderers were shot, the Kjs- 
kakons, Outawas du Sable, and the Outawas Sinagos 
held a council, in which they gave me six strings of 
wampum, each nation two, ' to cover the dead French- 
men and dry up their blood, that the earth might be 
beautiful in future.' 

" An hour afterwards, they made the same presents to 
Achiganaga, and to the friends of Folle-Avoine, who 
were still here. 

"The next day I had a great festival of corn and 
tobacco in the cabin of Brochet, in order ' to take away 
the sickness of heart that he had, because I pronounced 
the sentence of death on two savages in his house, with- 
out even speaking to him about it.' 

" To this feast, all the chiefs and elders of the nation 
before-mentioned were invited. The Hurons gave me 
three strings of wampum for the same reason that the 
others were given. They also gave three for the Sau- 
teurs and the Folle-Avoines. 



58 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Presents to Achiganaga— His Departure and Death. 

" It still remained for me to give to Achiganaga and 
his three children the means to return to their family, 
which they could not do without my assistance. Their 
home, from which they were taken, was nearly twenty- 
six leagues from here. Knowing their necessity, I told 
them you would not be satisfied with giving them life. 
Tou wished also to preserve it, by giving them all that 
was necessary to prevent them from dying with hunger 
and cold by the way, and that your gift was made by 
my hands. I gave them blankets and shirts, guns and 
ammunition, tobacco, meat, hatchets, knives, twine to 
make nets for beavers, and two bags of corn, to supply 
them till they could kill game. 

"They departed two days after, the most contented 
creatures in the world ; but God was not, for when only 
two days' journey from here, the old Achiganaga fell 
sick of the quinsy and died, and his children returned. 
When the news of his death arrived, the greater part 
of the savages of this place attributed his death to the 
French, saying we had caused him to die. I let them 
talk, and laughed at them. 

" It is only about two months since the children of 
Achiganaga returned to Kiaonan. I gave them letters 
to the French there, requesting them to say nothing to 
the savages about the death of their companions, having 
taken the satisfaction that I believed to be just. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 59 

Achiganaga's Children — The Sauteuxs. 

" Tlie Sauteurs gave them necklaces, to remind them 
that they should take good care to avoid agitating the 
subject of the death of their brother ; and in case any 
should have a wicked design, the necklaces, of which 
they were the bearers, would deter them from its exe- 
cution. 

" As for me, I doubt not this example will make them 
wiser, and that it may produce good results." 



CHAPTER III. 

Count Frontenac removed from office — Succeeded by M. le Barre — Le 
Barre recalled, and De Nonville appointed — M. du Lhut ordered to 
establish a fort on the Detroit — Count Frontenac reappointed to the 
government of Canada — Attempts a reconciliation with the Illinois — 
Livasion of Canada by the English in 1690 — Attack on Montreal — 
Unsuccessful expedition against Quebec — Frontenac invades the coun- 
try of the Iroquois — M. la Motte Cadillac appointed commandant at 
Michilimackinac — Bemonstrates against the prohibition of the sale of 
brandy to the Indians — General account of the country, its condition, 
and inhabitants. 

A man of Count Frontenac's abilities could not long 
occupy an exalted position without making enemies ; 
and so successful were his enemies in their intrigues, that 
they accomplished their design of causing his removal 
from the government of Canada, in the summer of 1684. 

M. de la Barre, his successor, arrived at Quebec the 
same season. He was entirely unacquainted with the 
Indian character, and commenced his administration by 
attempting to overcome the Five Nations by force of 
arms. The consequences were most disastrous to the 
French ; and in 1685 La Barre was recalled, and the 
Marquis de Nonville appointed in his place. 

In 1686 M. du Lhut, who still commanded at Michili- 
mackinac, was succeeded by M. Perot, and received, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 61 

M. Perot succeeds Du Lhut — Detroit 

through M. Durantaye, special commissioner, the follow- 
ing orders concerning his future movements : 

LETTER TO M. DU LHUT. 

"MonTreai, 6th June, 1686. 

" Monsieur : — Although I have ordered you to come 
to me this autumn, that I might confer with you con- 
cerning many things that may not be written, yet Rev. 
Father Anjolran having come here, and being obliged 
to return to Hichilimackinac as soon as the restitution of 
prisoners shall have been made, your presence is much 
more necessary to the Outawas than to me. Therefore, 
I now direct you to remain, and unite with M. de la 
Durantaye, who is to be at Michilimackinac, in the 
execution of the orders which I send him, for the safety 
of our allies and friends. 

" You will see by the letter which I have written to 
M. Durantaye, that I wish you to establish a post on the 
Detroit, near Lake Erie, with a garrison of fifty men. 
I desire you to choose an advantageous place to secure 
the passage, which may protect our savages who go to 
the chase, and serve them as an asylum against their 
enemies and ours. 

" You will do and say nothing to the Iroquois, unless 
they undertake something against us and our allies. 
You will also see that my intention is, that you go to 



62 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Orders concerning the Establishment of a Trading-post 

this new post as soon as possible, with twenty men only, 
whom you will establish under the command of your 
lieutenant. You will select such a man for this station 
as shall best suit you, one whom you consider most suit- 
able for the command. 

"After having given all the orders that you may 
judge necessary for the safety of this post, and having 
well secured obedience from the soldiers, you will return 
to Michilimackinac, there to await Kev. Father Anjolran, 
by whom I will communicate what I wish of you there. 
You will then return to the said post, with thirty other 
men, whom you will receive from M. Durantaye, in 
order to fully establish the position. You will take care 
that each provide himself with provisions sufficient for 
his subsistence at the said post, where, I doubt not, you 
may trade for peltries ; therefore your men will not do 
ill to carry some goods there also. 

" I strongly recommend you to maintain a good under- 
standing with M. Durantaye, without which our designs 
will come to nothing, and the service of the king and 
the public will suffer much. The post to which I send 
you is of much more importance, as I expect it will 
bring you in contact with the Illinois, to whom you 
will make known those things of which you will be 
informed by Kev. Father Anjolran. Consider nothing 
of so much importance as the proper execution of all 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 63 

Fort St. Joseph built— Abandoned in 168S. 

which I now command you, and which I shall make 
known to you by the Rev. Father on his return to 
Michilimackinac. 

"I send you the necessary commission for the com- 
mand of this post, also one for your lieutenant. Con- 
cerning your own interests I say nothing ; but you may 
expect that I will do with pleasure all that will be for 
your advantage. 

" Allow me to repeat to you once more, that you can- 
not use too much diligence to succeed in all that I shall 
require of you for the service of the king. If you can 
so arrange your affairs that your brother can be near 
you in the spring, I shall be very glad. He is an intel- 
ligent lad, and might be a great assistance to you ; he 
might also be very serviceable to us. 

" I beg you to avoid, in conversation, any allusion to 
our designs."* 

In obedience to these instructions, M. du Lhut pro- 
ceeded to the entrance of the strait from Lake Huron, 
where he erected a fortified trading-post, which he 
named Fort St. Joseph. This fort was abandoned in 
1688, only two years after it was built. It stood on the 
present site of Fort Gratiot. 

* " This letter is without signature, but every thing causes us to think 
that it was from the governor-general." — Note on the MS. 



64 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

War in Canada — Far Indians — Frontenac reappointed. 

Meanwhile, affairs in Canada waxed worse and worse. 
The English traders, who had become quite numerous 
in the region of the Iroquois, instigated that powerful 
nation, or rather confederacy of nations, to an attack 
upon the French settlements in Canada. An open war 
ensued. In almost every skirmish — for the Indians sel- 
dom fight open battles — the French were the most 
severe sufferers. 

The Far Indians, as those in the vicinity of the great 
lakes were called, began to manifest dissatisfaction and 
distrust of the French. In this critical state of affairs, 
M. de JSTonville was recalled, and Count de Frontenac 
reappointed governor-general. He arrived at Quebec 
October 15th, 16S9, to the great joy of the colonists. 

"The arrival of Frontenac," says the McDougall 
MS., "was hailed by the French as the dawn of a 
deliverance from their calamities. The wise policy pur- 
sued by him during his former administration was now 
apparent to every one. A more judicious selection 
could not have been made in the present desperate situ- 
ation of affairs. 

"New and unforeseen troubles began to arise. The 
abdication of James II. involved France in a war with 
England. The example set in Europe of forming na- 
tional alliances was greatly improved in America ; for, 
while the English colonies had become the allies of the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 65 

Frontenac's Proposals for Peace rejected by the Iroquois. 

Five Nations, they, in turn, became the allies of the Far 
Indians. 

" Count Frontenac first attempted to bring about a 
reconciliation with the Illinois. For this purpose, he 
sent ambassadors to their country to inform them ' that 
their old friend Frontenac had returned; that he had 
brought back Tawerahet, the Cayuga sachem, and twelve 
of their tribe, who had been sent to France by De Non- 
ville ; that he was sorry the tomahawk had been dug np 
during his absence ; and that he was desirous of plant- 
ing the tree of peace, and burying the hatchet under its 
branches.' 

"The savages, encouraged by the English, and fur- 
nished with guns and ammunition, instead of listening to 
these propositions, assumed, if possible, an aspect more 
terrific than ever ; and Frontenac soon found that he 
had to contend, not only with the English colonies and 
Jroquois, but with the Ottawas, Hurons, Miamis, Illi- 
nois, Pottawatomies, and several other tribes of western 
Indians. 

" The good old governor, now in the sixty-eighth year 
of his age, did not once suffer his fortitude to forsake 
him. His mental and physical abilities were undimin- 
ished ; and by his indefatigable exertions, several of the 
outposts, which had been partially demolished and aban- 
doned, were rebuilt. 



6Q EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Invasion of Canada by the English and Iroquois. 

" Early in 1690, an invasion of Canada was planned 
by the New England and New York colonies, in con- 
junction with their allies. The New York troops and 
Indians were to march by land and attack Montreal, 
while the New England forces were to proceed by water 
and storm Quebec. 

" Accordingly the land forces, under the command of 
Major Schuyler, left Albany about midsummer. Hav- 
ing arrived at Chambly, they were discovered by a 
Frenchman, who proceeded with all possible speed to 
Montreal with the intelligence, so that a day or two was 
allowed to prepare for the invaders. Monsieur Callieres 
was commandant at Montreal, and, fortunately, the gov- 
ernor himself was there at that time. 

"The attack was commenced on the militia, which 
gave way ; but as soon as the regulars were brought 
into action the English were repulsed at every point, 
and finally dispersed, not, however, without the loss of 
three hundred men. 

" On receiving intelligence that a large armament 
was in the St. Lawrence, Frontenac, with three hundred 
troops, repaired forthwith to Quebec ; and by rowing 
night and day, arrived there a day or two before the 
attack was made. This fleet, consisting of thirty-four 
sail and two thousand men, commanded by Sir William 
Phipps, arrived on the 7th of October. The town con- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 67 



Frontenac — Sir Wm, Phipps at Quebec. 



tained but few troops, and would have surrendered at 
discretion, bad an attack been made at once ; but with 
the same imbecility which prevented a co-operation with 
Major Schuyler, Sir William continued to disgrace the 
expedition. He accordingly came to anchor, and lay in 
the bay five days, and did nothing but send a flag on 
the fourth day to Frontenac, with an insulting letter, 
requiring an unconditional surrender. 

" The next day it was discovered that Sir "William was 
landing twelve or fifteen hundred men four miles below 
the town. The French and Indians repaired to a wood 
through which the English must pass, and concealed 
themselves. The unsuspecting invaders had proceeded 
part way through the wood, when suddenly they were 
assailed in every direction. They fled precipitately, in 
the utmost confusion, leaving nearly four hundred dead 
on the spot. The total loss of the French and Indians 
was only sixteen ! 

" On the following day, Sir William landed four 
pieces of artillery, with one thousand men, to force the 
wood, while he commenced bombarding the town. 
These were again met and completely repulsed, with 
the loss of between three and four hundred of the enemy 
and all their artillery, while the loss of the French was 
but forty. Sir William, having kept up the fire for 
twenty-four hours, raised the siege, proceeded down the 



OS EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Savage Incursions — Frontenac's Retaliation. 

St. Lawrence, and arrived at Boston on the 13th of 
November. 

" The savages continued their incursions all along the 
St. Lawrence, laying waste plantations, and carrying- off 
many scalps. The farmers could not cultivate their 
land, provisions became scarce, and the inhabitants were 
obliged to feed the soldiers, while their own children 
were famishing. 

" In the summer of 1693, Frontenac invaded the 
country of the Iroquois, destroyed three castles, and, two 
years afterward, rebuilt Fort Cadaraqui. The following 
year, 1696, he destroyed a strong fort at Onondaga, 
erected by the English about six years previously, to- 
gether with several Indian villages. He also made a 
number of prisoners. 

"Thus the war was continued, with varied success, 
until the peace of Ryswick restored order in Em-ope, 
which soon extended to America." 

During this eventful period in the history of "New 
France, while many of the French trading-posts were 
abandoned, Saut Ste. Marie and Michilimackinac, though 
suffering much from constant anxiety and privation, with- 
stood the tide of war, and maintained their position. M. 
Perot, commandant at Michilimackinac during the first 
years of the war, was a man of great ability ; yet he 
often found his powers fully taxed in maintaining order 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 69 

Saut Ste. Marie — Michilimackinac. 

and subordination amid the discordant elements of his 
little garrison, consisting of soldiers, fur-traders, and 
cow % eurs des hois, deprived of their former exciting oc- 
cupations, and surrounded as they were with every pos- 
sible discouragement. The disaffection of many of their 
Indian allies, and the frequent incursions of the hostile 
Iroquois, almost destroyed the fur-trade, while nearly all 
intercourse with Quebec and Montreal was cut off. Yet 
the heroic commandant remained firm at his post — 
though at one time, for many months, the fish, which 
were abundant in the waters almost beneath their feet, 
constituted the only food of the garrison. 

About the year 1691, M. de la Porte Louvigny was 
appointed commandant in place of M. Perot, and was 
himself superseded by M. de la Motte Cadillac in 1696. 

Since the year 1684 the Iroquois had kept up an 
almost continual state of warfare with the French and 
their allies ; and Count Frontenac found there was no 
way to terminate this harassing state of affairs, except 
by treating the prisoners of war according to the Indian 
customs, and M. de la Motte Cadillac received orders 
accordingly. 

Representations of the bad effects produced upon the 
Indians by the sale of intoxicating drinks had been re- 
peatedly made to Louis XIV. In 1694 the king and 
bishops began seriously to question the propriety of 



TO . EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Decision of the Sorbonne — Cadillac's Remonstrance. 

allowing brandy and other intoxicating drinks to be 
transported to Michilimacldnac as an article of traffic. 
After much discussion, the subject was finally referred 
to the Sorbonne for decision. Upon mature deliberation, 
this august body decided the question in the negative, 
and the king immediately issued an edict forbidding the 
transportation of brandy to Michilimackinac as an article 
of traffic. 

The French at that post submitted to this prohibition 
with a very bad grace, and the following letter from M. 
de la Motte Cadillac gives his view of the subject. It 
also contains an interesting history of the condition of 
the fort and its surroundings, with an account of his 
obedience to the barbarous but perhaps necessary orders 
of Count Frontenac. The letter appears to have been 
written to a personal friend, at Quebec. 

" Fort Buade, Michilimackinac, August 3, 1695. 

" Monsietjk : — You already know, without doubt, that 
Count Frontenac appointed me, last year, to the com- 
mand of this country, in the place of M. Louvigny ; and 
that the convoy which I conducted revolted, the season 
being bad, and very far advanced. 

" My departure was on the 24th of September, and I 
could only go twenty-five leagues in twelve days, on 
account of the continued rains and contrary winds that 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 71 

Mutiny — Voyageurs return — Cadillac proceeds. 

prevailed. I did all I could to encourage the voyageurs 
to proceed on the journey, but to no purpose ; and, not 
knowing what else to do, I took the resolution to send 
them back, in good condition — foreseeing that they 
would not fail to go, even without my permission. I 
was not sorry afterward that I resolved upon this course, 
though the remainder of the journey seemed frightful, 
on account of the quantities of floating ice in the large 
lakes which we must cross. However, I decided, with- 
out hesitation, to accomplish the journey, or perish by 
the way. Accordingly, I made choice of five of the 
most vigorous men in the convoy, and two savages ; and 
taking only sufficient food for two months, I continued 
my journey, and at length reached my destination. 

" I immediately found myself in circumstances of 
great embarrassment, in consequence of the departure of 
the convoy that goes down to Montreal yearly, and by 
the arrival of the one that comes from that place. This 
post is the rendezvous of the chiefs of all the nations in 
the surrounding country, and I was obliged to be in their 
councils to decide all their different propositions. These 
circumstances caused me so great heaviness, that I 
sought relief by fully informing Count Frontenac of 
affairs here, and you, without doubt, have received bet- 
ter information from him than I could give, whatever 
care I might devote to the subject. 



72 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Renewal of the "SVar with the Iroquois — Prisoners burned. 

" As there was a cessation of hostilities, on proposi- 
tions of peace made by the Iroquois, with much appa- 
rent submission, it was necessary to make great efforts 
to induce all these nations to recommence the war, ac- 
cording to the orders I had received. Although there 
went out from here, and from the villages depending 
upon this post, about eight or nine hundred men, in 
different parties, they only brought in fifty-six scalps, 
and made four prisoners, whom we burned, according 
to their custom, notwithstanding all the assurances the 
victims could give that a treaty of peace had already 
been made at Montreal. 

"As the Iroquois are not to be trusted, our allies 
were not disposed to believe the assurances of the pris- 
oners, and finally subjected them to the usual treat- 
ment of those who fall alive into the hands of their 
enemies. There are several parties which have not yet 
returned ; if they bring any prisoners to me, I can 
assure you their fate will be no sweeter than that of the 
others. 

"From the orders he gave me, I am persuaded that 
the Count will prosecute the war with greater energy 
than ever before. Nor do I believe that in future he 
will be in a mood to listen to any propositions from 
the Iroquois, who have at last yielded to the powerful 
efforts made by the English to dissuade them from com- 



EAELT HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 73 

Manathe — Condition of Michilimackinac. 

pleting the treaty of peace for which they had been so 
very solicitous. 

"I am fully persuaded of the necessity of taking 
Manathe. As long as that place stands, we shall never 
be masters of these nations. Experience has taught me, 
better than I had before known, that, so long as Manathe 
stands, occasions will always be found for its people to 
annoy us. 

" In regard to the decision made by the court, con- 
cerning the transportation of liquors to this place, I am 
far from daring to disapprove of it; but nothing can 
induce me to be entirely silent on a subject involving so 
deeply the interest of the king. 

" It is a great mistake, if people have an idea that this 
place is deserted ; if it be possible that any are in this 
belief, I think it my duty to correct the erroneous im- 
pression. It is very important that you should know, 
in case you are not already informed, that this village is 
one of the largest in all Canada. There is a fine fort 
of pickets, and sixty houses, that form a street in a 
straight line. There is a garrison of well-disciplined, 
chosen soldiers, consisting of about two hundred men, 
the best-formed and most athletic to be found in this 
New World ; besides many other persons who are resi- 
dents here during two or three months in the year. 
This being an indubitable fact, it seems to me that 



74 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Michilimackinac— Food of the Inhabitants— Population— Products. 



this place should not be deprived of the privilege which 
His Majesty has accorded to all the other places and 
villages in Canada — the privilege of furnishing them- 
selves with the necessary drinks for their use. If there 
are but few places which should enjoy this liberty, this 
would undoubtedly be one, as it is exposed to all kinds 
of fatigue. The situation of the place, and the food 
also, require it. 

"The houses are arranged along the shore of this 
great Lake Huron, and fish and smoked meat constitute 
the principal food of the inhabitants, so that a drink of 
brandy, after the repast, seems necessary to cook the 
bilious meats, and the crudities which they leave in the 
stomach. The air is penetrating and corrosive, and 
without the brandy that they use in the morning, sick- 
ness would be much more frequent. 

" The villages of the savages, in which there are six 
or seven thousand souls, are about a pistol-shot distant 
from ours. All the lands are cleared for about three 
leagues around their village, and perfectly well culti- 
vated. They produce a sufficient quantity of Indian 
corn for the use of both the French and savage inhab- 
itants. The question is, then, what reason can there be 
for this prohibition of intoxicating drinks, in regard to 
the French who are here now, and who only go and 
come once a year? Are they not subjects of the king, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 75 

Cadillac's argument for sale of Brandy— War customs of the Savages. 

even as others ? In what country, then, or in what land, 
until now, have they taken from the French the right to 
use brandy, provided they did not become disorderly ? 
And if, by chance, some should become so, the com- 
mandants know how to apply the remedy. They can 
imprison, fetter, and chastise disorderly persons here as 
well as elsewhere. 

" Now what reason can one assign that the savages 
should not drink brandy bought with their own money as 
well as we ? Is it prohibited to prevent them from becom- 
ing intoxicated ? or is it because the use of brandy reduces 
them to extreme misery — placing it out of their power to 
make war, by depriving them of clothing and arms ? If 
such representations in regard to the Indians have been 
made to the Count, they are very false, as every one 
knows who is acquainted with the ways of the savages. 

" It is an undeniable fact, that the law strictly forbids 
any one to trade with the savages for their arms, under 
pain of a large pecuniary fine. As for their clothing, 
can any one assert that clothing is necessary for them 
when they go to war, since everybody knows that it is 
the custom of all the nations here, when they ' go to eat 
their enemy on his own land,'* they go naked, and paint 

e < ' When the husiness is to declare war, in form, between two or three 
nations, the manner of expressing it is, to ' hang the kettle over the 
fire ;' which has its origin, without doubt, in the barbarous custom of 



V6 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

War-paint — Disposal of Property — Rendition to the Victors. 

themselves black and red from head to foot, if they are 
rich enough to do it. 

" It is the custom, when the moment comes for their 
departure on warlike expeditions, for each warrior to 
dispose of all his clothing, making presents of the dif- 
ferent articles to those who remain at home ; and on 
their return, while they are singing their songs of war, 
of prowess, and of victory, it is permitted to each of 
them to gather all that belongs to him, such as guns, 
bows and arrows, kettles, and even all they can seize of 
the spoils of their enemies, which consist only of such 
articles as I have mentioned. 

"It is bad faith to represent to the Count that the 
sale of brandy reduces the savage to a state of nu- 
dity, and by that means places it out of his power to 
make war; since he never goes to war in any other 
condition. 

" It is certain that the bravest of their warriors have 
never used more than half a pound of powder, and a 
pound of balls, in one battle. Their manner is to fire 

eating their prisoners, and those they have killed, after hoiling them. 
They likewise say, simply, that ' they are going to eat such a nation,' 
which signifies that they are going to make war against them in the 
most destructive and outrageous manner ; and indeed they seldom do 
otherwise. When they intend to engage an ally in the quarrel, they 
send him a porcelain or wampum, which is a large shell, in order to 
invite him to drink the blood, or, as the terms made use of signify, the 
broth of the flesh of their enemies." — Charlevoix. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Savage mode of Fighting — Great Council — Indian Speech. 

three or four times, and when thej have the advantage 
of their enemy, they rush upon him. They are very 
strong and quick, and, as they never rally, their battles 
are soon ended. 

" Finally, this prohibiting the transportation of brandy 
to this place, has much discouraged the Frenchmen who 
are here, from trading in future. Ceasing to sell liquor 
to the savages has caused a universal commotion among 
all the nations, as will be seen by what took place here 
on the 21st of last March. All the chiefs, and a large 
number of the inhabitants of all the surrounding villages, 
assembled here, and addressed me as follows : 

" ' O chief, what evil have thy children done to 
thee, that thou shouldst treat them so badly 1 Those that 
came before thee were not so severe upon us. It is not 
to quarrel with thee that we came here, it is only to 
know for what reason thou wishest to prevent us from 
drinking brandy. Thou shouldst look upon us as thy 
friends, and the brothers of the French, or else as thy 
enemies. If we are thy friends, leave us the liberty of 
drinking; our beaver is worth thy brandy, and the 
Master of Life gave us both, to make us happy. If 
thou wish to treat us as thy enemies, or as thy slaves, 
do not be angry if we carry our beaver to Orange, or 
Corland, where they will give us brandy, as much as we 
want.' 



78 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Cadillac's reply— Hurons go to the English for Brandy. 

"This speech, did not fail to embarrass me, and I 
thought best to make them the following answer : 

" ' My children, I am a good father ; I have a very 
tender heart, and I hear from afar the cries of my chil- 
dren. I do not wish to wrong you, still less to treat you 
as my enemies, or my slaves. Do not be angry if you 
have no brandy this year. The reason for it is, that the 
trees which produce it on the other side of the great 
water, have frozen this year, and the vessels only brought 
a very little, so that the French could scarcely have 
what they wanted for themselves. The frost that de- 
stroyed your corn this year, has also destroyed the fruit 
from which they make the liquor ; it is to be hoped that 
next year you will not lack. Take courage, do not be 
disheartened ; Onontio will send you a sufficient quantity 
•to rejoice you.' 

"They replied that they wished me to write to the 
governor-general, which I promised. Meanwhile, to 
show you that this people care only for the present, and 
never regard the future, I ought to tell you that on the 
4th of July, twenty Hurons departed from here without 
the knowledge of any one, and have gone to the Iroquois 
to make negotiations of peace, in order to facilitate the 
passage to the English, where they can trade and get 
brandy. 

" This is the effect produced by the bad counsel given 



EAKLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 79 

Indignation of Cadillac — Contentment of the Savages — Missionaries. 

to the Count ; and, indeed, there is nothing more pro- 
voking than to witness the manifestation of a wish to 
take from a people not yet civilized, the rights they 
have enjoyed ever since they have known the French. 

" It seems very strange that they should pretend that 
the savages would ruin themselves by drinking. The 
savage himself asks why they do not leave him in his 
beggary, his liberty, and his idleness ; he was born in it, 
and he wishes to die in it — it is a life to which he has 
been accustomed since Adam. Do they wish him to 
build palaces, and ornament them with beautiful furni- 
ture ? He would not exchange his wigwam, and the 
mat on which he camps like a monkey, for the Louvre I 

" An attempt to overthrow the present state of affairs 
in this country, would only result in the ruin of com- 
merce and the destruction of the colony. 

" Perhaps it will be said that the sale of brandy makes 
the labors of the missionaries unfruitful. It is necessary 
to examine this proposition. If the missionaries labor only 
for the extension of commerce, pursuing the course they 
have hitherto, I agree to it ; but, if it is the use of brandy 
that hinders the advancement of the cause of God, I 
deny it; for it is a fact which no one can deny, that 
there are a great number among the savages who never 
drink brandy, yet who are not, for that, better Christians. 

" All the Sioux, the most numerous of all the tribes 



80 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Sioux's hatred of Eeligion — Death of Count Fronteuac. 

who inhabit the region along the shore of Lake Superior, 
do not even like the smell of brandy — are they more 
advanced in religion for that? They do not wish to 
hear the subject mentioned, and when the missionaries 
address them, they only laugh at the foolishness of 
preaching. Yet these priests boldly fling before the 
eyes of the Europeans, whole volumes filled with glow- 
ing descriptions of the conversion of souls by thousands, 
in this country, causing the poor missionaries from Eu- 
rope to run to martyrdom, as flies to sugar and honey. 

" I am an eye-witness to all that passes here, yet I do 
not believe I shall ever be in humor to write on this 
point." 

Count Frontenac, who had devoted the best portion 
of his life to the service of New France ; the friend and 
adviser of the struggling colonists ; the guide and con- 
troller of those rash, enthusiastic adventurers, whose zeal 
in prosecuting distant explorations seemed unquench- 
able ; the safe director of the intricate workings of 
colonial home-policy, and the successful general, having 
conducted his country through a most perilous and dis- 
tressing war, lived only to conclude a peace with his 
savage neighbors, and died, in 1699, in the seventy- 
eighth year of his age. His death was universally la- 
mented. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 81 

Frontenac's Valor in early Life— Subjugation of the Iroquois — Bravery at Quebec. 

" At the age of fifteen," says a note in the Cass MSS., 
" Count Frontenac signalized himself in Holland, where 
he served his apprenticeship of arms. He was recalled 
to France for the service of the king. He commanded 
the regiment of ISTonnandie, and in the several battles 
which were fought in Germany and Italy, he merited, 
by his valor and his talents, to be successively promoted 
as master and marshal of the camp, and even to com- 
mand a separate corps of the army. 

" When the Venetians sent to ask aid of Louis XIY., 
this prince consulted Marshal Turenne on the choice of 
a commanding officer for the troops of the Republic, 
and M. de Frontenac was the one designated by the 
great captain. 

"In Canada, he justified his reappointment to its 
government, by subduing the Iroquois, and by re- 
pulsing the English. "When the English envoys de- 
manded of him the surrender of Quebec, giving him a 
certain time in which to decide, placing his watch in 
his hand to mark the time, his haughty answer was, 
' My reply is from the mouth of my cannon ;' notwith- 
standing Quebec was almost without ammunition and 
food. 

" M. de Frontenac had his arm broken at Orbitelle. 
His grandfather was one of the most distinguished of 
the French nobility, and all his connections and family 



82 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Callieres succeeds Frontenac — His sudden Death — Appointment of M. Yaudreuil. 

alliances were sufficient recommendations for any ordi- 
nary man ; but the Count added to all these illustrious 
names the glory of his own services." 

M. de Callieres succeeded Count Frontenac in the 
government of Canada. He occupied the post of gov- 
ernor-general until early in the summer of 1703, when 
he died suddenly. The Marquis de Vaudreuil was ap- 
pointed his successor. 



CHAPTER IV. 

The peace of Ryswick — France retains her possessions in America — 
Commercial rivalry between the French and English — Cadillac's man- 
agement of the Indians — Their attachment to the French — Upper 
Nations send envoys to Montreal in 1700 — Written treaty made and 
signed by the governor-general and envoys — Importance of a fort on 
the Detroit — M. la Motte Cadillac goes to France — Eecital of his plans 
to Count Pontchartrain — Project approved by the king — Cadillac ap- 
pointed commandant — Returns to Canada — Leaves La Cbine for De- 
troit — Establishes Fort Pontchartrain in 1701 — Company of the colony 
organized. 

The peace of Ryswick, ratified Sept. 11th, 1697, al- 
lowed France to retain all the places of which she had 
possession at the beginning of the war, but it did not 
quiet the restless spirit of the English colonists. They 
were not willing to pursue the same conciliatory course 
which had given the French an almost unbounded in- 
fluence over the savages, yet were exceedingly jealous 
of that power which thus retained the profits of the 
fur-trade. This commercial rivalry, and strife for dom- 
ination, kept the French and English colonies, even 
during the brief peace, in a state of inimical excitement. 

By the prudent management of M. de la Motte 
Cadillac, who was commandant at Michilimackinac from 
1695 to 1699, permanent treaties of peace had been 



84: EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Indian Envoys sent to Montreal — Written Treaty — Cadillac proceeds to Versailles. 

made with the tribes in that distant region, and they 
had become strongly attached to the French. In July, 
1700, four of these " upper nations" sent envoys to Mon- 
treal " to weep for the French who had died in the war." 
The governor-general took advantage of this visit, and 
of the conciliatory sjririt recently manifested by the 
Iroquois, to make a written treaty with the Five 
Nations, and these allies from the Northwest. All 
the preliminaries were amicably settled, and the treaty 
was signed by each nation, with its own to-tem, or 
symbols. 

The sad experiences of the recent war with England 
and the Iroquois, and the evident disaffection which still 
existed, though restrained by the treaties from absolute 
outbreak, rendered more than ever apparent to the 
French, the importance of a fort on the Detroit, which 
should command this channel of communication with 
the great lakes, thus preventing the English from having 
access to the Far Indians. The attempt of M. du Lhut 
had failed, and M. de la Motte Cadillac, fearing that a 
written petition would meet w T ith a repulse, proceeded 
in person to Versailles, and presented the subject to the 
consideration of Count Pontchartrain, the colonial min- 
ister. The count received the self-appointed envoy with 
great kindness, and listened attentively to the plan of 
his proposed enterprise. The following conversation 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 85 

Interview between Cadillac and Count Pontcbartrain. 

then ensued, which Cadillac afterward committed to 
writing. 

Count. " "What reasons have you for wishing to estab- 
lish a fort on the Detroit ? 

La Motte. " I have many ; the first, and perhaps most 
important object, would be to make it a permanent post, 
not subject to frequent changes as are many of the 
others. To effect this, it is only necessary to have a good 
number of the French, soldiers and traders, and to draw 
around it the tribes of friendly Indians, in order effec- 
tually to conquer the Iroquois, who, from all time, have 
ruined the colonies, and prevented the advancement of 
civilization. 

Count. " That would be well, if what you propose 
could be executed without great difficulty ; but it seems 
to me that, instead of fortifying the colony by this estab- 
lishment, you will only weaken it. 

La Motte. " That would be true, if the Iroquois were 
the friends of the French inhabitants, but they are the 
enemies. The forces of the French are too much scat- 
tered ; they live too far apart. It is absolutely neces- 
sary to draw them together, because when it is desirable 
to attack the Iroquois in their villages, the French must 
make great movements, and march in large numbers, 
which causes the king very heavy expenses. Often, the 
result of such a march consists in killing four or five 



86 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Advantages of securing the passage to the upper Lakes — Iroquois. 

unhappy wretches, because great movements cannot be 
made without noise, and without the savages knowing 
it. They retire into the woods when their forces are 
inferior, and by this means render useless the expense 
and preparation of the French. 

Count. " I see that you are right, since the great en- 
terprises which have been undertaken in Canada, and 
even the general movements of the whole colony have 
been unsuccessful, having done no other harm to the Iro- 
quois than merely pillaging their grain, which they had 
left to pursue the chase along the Detroit; and their 
game has furnished them subsistence till the following 
harvest. I see that you will tell me, if Detroit were for- 
tified with a good number of French and savages, they 
would deprive the Iroquois of the resources of the chase ; 
and by the continual incursions they would make upon 
them, on account of the proximity of the post, the Iro- 
quois would be reduced to the last extremity, and often 
perish with hunger. 

La Motte. " Sir, your penetration has anticipated my 
speech ; I am persuaded that when you have heard the 
other reasons for this establishment, you will be still 
move deeply convinced of the necessity for it. It is in- 
contestable that all the waters of the great lakes pass 
through this strait, and this is the only practicable path 
by which the English can carry on their trade with the 



EAELY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 87 

Low price of English goods — Improvidence of the Savages. 

savage nations, which have correspondence with the 
French. The English use every possible means to ob- 
tain trade, but, if that post were fortified in form, the 
English would entirely abandon the hope of depriving 
us of its advantages. 

Count. " I understand what you intend ; your design 
is good. You would deprive the enemies of the state, of 
the means of prosecuting the fur-trade in that country ; 
but how will you prevent the savages from going to 
them, if they wish, and if they are drawn by the advan- 
tageous price of goods ? 

La Motte. " I confess that is a great attraction for them ; 
but experience shows us that although the savages in the 
neighborhood of Quebec, Three Rivers, and Montreal, 
are perfectly well informed that their furs sell better 
with the English, and that they can obtain goods at a 
lower price, yet they make all their trade with us. 
There are many reasons for this. One is, that each sav- 
age, one with another, kills, per year, only fifty or sixty 
beavers, and as he is neighbor to the Frenchman, fre- 
quently borrows of him, paying in proportion to his 
returns by the chase. With the little that remains to 
him, he is compelled to make purchases for his family. 
Thus he finds himself unable to go to the English, be- 
cause his remaining goods are not worth the trouble of 
carrying so far, not being sufficient to pay him for the 



88 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

French cunning — Extent of the Hunting-grounds — Variety of Furs. 

expense of his journey. Another reason is, that in fre- 
quenting the French he receives many caresses; they 
are too cunning to allow his furs to escape, especially 
when they succeed in making him eat and drink with 
them. 

"The will to go to the English still exists among the 
savages, hut they are skillfully reduced to the impossi- 
bility of its execution. If Detroit is not established, sir, 
we shall soon see all the savages of the country going to 
the English, or inviting them to come and establish 
themselves in the Indian country. 

Count. " Have you not still other reasons ? 

La Motte. " One cannot deny that our savages have 
hitherto hunted north of Lake St. Clair, but by this es- 
tablishment, they would pursue the chase as far as two 
hundred leagues south of Lake Erie, toward the sea. 
Consequently, those furs that make the greater part 
of the trade of the English by means of their savages, 
would be conveyed by ours into the French colony, and 
make a very considerable increase in its commerce. 

Count. " "What furs are there in that country ? 

La Motte. " The skins of the stag, deer, elk, roebuck, 
black bear, and buffalo, with wolf, otter, wildcat, beaver, 
and other small furs. 

Count. " Are those larger skins worth money, and do 
the traders find sale for them \ Could we not find means 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 89 

Beaver prohibited Merchandise in France — Value of other Furs. 

to occupy the savages in the pursuit of these animals, 
and cause them to abandon that of the beaver, which 
is now prohibited merchandise ? The vast accumulation 
of beaver fur is becoming burdensome to France. 

La JHfotte. " Those skins are actually in favor ; the 
skins of the deer and the stag are worth sixteen fraucs 
a-piece ; those of the elk, twenty francs ; the black bear, 
ten francs ; the roebuck, five francs, and the rest in pro- 
portion ; therefore it is certain that we could easily oc- 
cupy the savages in this pursuit, provided we furnish 
them with goods to the value of their peltry. This 
would be an unfailing means of making sale for the 
beaver in the kingdom, since, instead of one hundred and 
thirty thousand now received every year at the store- 
house in Quebec, there would be but about seventy 
thousand, which would be a large yearly diminution. I 
do not include the inferior beaver of Canada. 

Count. " Tou have given many excellent reasons, the 
means of humbling the Iroquois, and causing them to 
respect the French ; the exclusion of the English com- 
merce and consequent French domination, and their in- 
creased profit by trading for different furs. It is abso- 
lutely necessary to establish this post. 

"If the king approves this project, I will give you 
two hundred chosen men, of different trades, with six 
companies of soldiers, in order that the place may be in 



90 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Iroquois — Enmity of the Jesuits — Cadillac receives orders to found Detroit 

a condition to hold the Iroquois in subjection in time 
of peace, and to destroy them if they wish for war; 
and particularly that our allies may be secure un- 
der this protection. Therefore, prepare yourself to re- 
turn to Canada, and commence the establishment of 
Detroit. 

La Motte. " I will go, since you command me, but I 
shall find many difficulties to overcome in the accom- 
plishment of this enterprise, as the Jesuits of that coun- 
try are, personally, my enemies. 

Count. " Only go, do not place yourself in difficulty ; 
vigorously prosecute this affair, and if you find obstacles 
which prevent your success, you have only to return and 
render me an account of them." 

After some time, M. de la Motte Cadillac was again 
summoned into the presence of Count Pontchartrain, 
who remarked : 

" The king has examined your project, and has given 
me orders to send you back, without delay, to take 
prompt possession of Detroit, wishing you to command 
there until further orders. You will, therefore, depart 
immediately for Rochefort, whence you will embark. 

" Pardon me, sir," replied La Motte, " but I beg you 
will take into consideration the expense of the two j>ain- 
ful voyages I have already made, which have exhausted 
my own purse and the liberality of my friends ; also, the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 91 

Commission from the King— Returns to Quebec— Arrives at Detroit. 

expenditures I shall be obliged to make in perfecting 
this establishment." 

" I will take care of you ; only pursue such a course 
as will insure you success," said the count. 

" Provided I am supported by the honor of your 
protection, I am sure of perfecting this work," was La 
Motte's enthusiastic rejoinder. 

Count Pontchartrain then presented him with a com- 
mission as commandant, and a grant from his majesty, 
Louis XIV., of a tract of land, fifteen acres square, 
"wherever on the Detroit the new fort should be es- 
tablished." 

M. Cadillac arrived at Quebec on the 8th of March, 
1701 ; thence he proceeded to Montreal, where he was 
occupied until June in making the necessary prepara- 
tions for his expedition. He left La Chine on the 5th 
of June, with fifty soldiers, and fifty Canadian traders 
and artisans. His officers were M. de Tonti as captain, 
and Messrs. Dugue and Chacornacle as lieutenants. A 
Eecollet priest accompanied the troops as chaplain, and 
a Jesuit went as missionary to the Indians. In com- 
pliance with the orders of the governor-general, he took 
the old route by the Ottawa river, and arrived at Detroit 
on the 24th of July, 1701. 

The fortification erected by M. de Cadillac was noth- 
ing more than a strong stockade of wooden pickets. 



92 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

First Fort — Detroit in 1701 — Object of the Establishment 

The space inclosed was nearly square, with wooden bas- 
tions at each angle, only two of which seem to have been 
serviceable, according to M. d'Aigrement, who says — 
" there are two bastions, so small and of such irregular 
figure as to be of little use."* Within this inclosure, 
which was dignified with the name of Fort Pontchar- 
train, M. de la Motte caused a few log huts to be erected, 
the roofs of which were thatched with grass. Such was 
Detroit in 1701. 

As the principal object in the establishment of this 
post, as well as Forts Frontenac, Michilimaekinac, and 
Saut Ste. Marie, was to secure to France the immense 
fur-trade of the great Northwest, of necessity one of the 
first acts of the colonial executive at Quebec must have 
been to make such arrangements as would best promote 
the interests of the government, and at the same time 
most effectually guard against oppression on the one 
part, and disaffection on the other, among the officers, 
subordinates, and traders, occupying points so remote 
from the capital. 

The most natural, and probably the most effectual 
method of accomplishing these objects, would be the 



s The first fort erected at Detroit inclosed the portion of ground ex- 
tending from where the house of Mr. Joseph Campau now stands, on 
Jefferson Avenue, to a few feet below Shelby-street, and thence to Wood- 
bridge-street, which was then very near the margin of the river. 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 93 

Organization of the Company of the Colony of Canada. 

organization of the traders, occupying any such post, into 
a company with certain privileges and restrictions. In 
accordance with this universal business principle, a com- 
pany was formed by the merchants interested in the 
trade at Fort Frontenac and Fort Pontchartrain, known 
as the " Company of the Colony of Canada," and the 
following contract was duly confirmed at Quebec, Oc- 
tober 31st, 1701 : 

"COMPANY OF THE COLONY OF CANADA. 

"Contract made with the Company of the Colony of Canada concern- 
ing Fort Frontenac and Detroit, to enable said Company to traffic 
for beaver and other peltries, in conformity to the agreement made 
in a convention held at Quebec, October hist, 1701. 

" Before the royal notaries, at Quebec, in New 
France, appeared M. le Chevalier Callieres, lieutenant- 
governor for the king in this country of New France, 
and Monsieur Champigny, administrator of justice, po- 
lice, and revenue of the said country, who testify that, 
in consequence of orders which they have this year re- 
ceived from his majesty, to intrust to the Company of 
the Colony of this said country the posts of Detroit and 
Fort Frontenac, there was held at the Chateau St. Louis, 
in this city, on the eighth of the present month, a 
general assembly of all the inhabitants of this country 
who have a deliberative voice in the said company, that 
all the arrangements might be made in their presence, 



94: EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Contract of the Colony — Seven Directors-general. 

if the company should decide to accept the said posts of 
Detroit and Fort Frontenac. 

" There were present at this assembly the seven direc- 
tors-general of the said company, the governors of Mon- 
treal and Three Rivers, many civil and military officers, 
and the merchants and other inhabitants interested in 
the company. 

" After mature deliberation, the result was declared to 
be the acceptance of these posts by the company, for the 
purposes of trade in beaver and other peltries, to the 
entire exclusion of all private individuals, who are now, 
or may hereafter become, residents of that country ; and 
that the act of said acceptance shall be passed between 
the governor-general and intendant, and the directors- 
general of the said company. 

" In consequence of said decision, the following arti- 
cles of agreement have been made between the governor- 
general and intendant on the one part, and Messrs. 
d'Auteuil, procureur-general of the king in the sovereign 
council of this country, Lotbinieres, lieutenant-general 
of this city of Quebec, Irazeur, Gobin, Macart, and 
Pierre, gentlemen, merchants of this city of Quebec, all 
directors-general of the said company, on the other part. 

" Be it known, that the governor-general and intend- 
ant, in consequence of the express orders which they 
have this year received from the king, do„ by these pres- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 95 

Exclusive traffic in Furs ceded to the Company— Eadisson and Arnault overseers. 

ents and acceptances, in the name of His Majesty, cede 
and convey to the directors of the said Company of the 
Colony the said posts of Detroit and Fort Frontenac, 
giving into the possession of the said Company of the 
Colony, from this day forth, the said posts in the state in 
which they now are, for their use, to traffic in furs, to the 
exclusion of all other inhabitants of said country, so long 
as it shall please His Majesty. 

" It shall be the duty of the said company to complete 
the construction of the fort at Detroit, and the buildings 
properly belonging thereto; and the company shall in 
future keep said fort and buildings in good repair, that 
they may be maintained and rendered in the same state 
in which they are now, and better, if possible, whenever 
His Majesty shall judge proper to receive them, if in 
the course of time he so order. 

" The Company of the Colony is also to take charge of 
the goods which have been sent to the said place, obey- 
ing the conditions that have been agreed upon — Messrs. 
Kadisson and Arnault to be overseers of the storehouse 
of the said goods which the intendant has placed in the 
hands of the directors of the company. They are also 
to have charge of the other advances made by the king 
for this establishment, and to make payment for the said 
goods, and advances to the intendant from the first bills 
which shall be returned from Detroit ; and in case said 



96 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Bills of Exchange — King's gift to poor Settlers— Garrison supported by the King. 

bills should not be sufficient, on the first of October, 
1702, the said overseers shall give bills of exchange for 
the remainder, which shall be drawn npon the directors 
and commissioners of said company in Paris, payable to 
the securities and overseers of the storehouses, for the 
purpose of liquidating the claims against the said com- 
pany, conformably to the agreement made with the said 
lord-lieutenant. 

" The intendant shall deduct from the amount due, six 
thousand livres, French money, being the gift ordered 
by His Majesty for the support of honest families in this 
country who may need assistance. 

" The payment of the said sum of six thousand livres 
shall be made by the said company every year, on the 
said first uf October, so long as it shall enjoy the com- 
merce of the said post of Detroit. 

" It is also agreed that the king shall support, at his 
expense, the garrison which the governor shall order for 
the protection of the said fort of Detroit, and that the 
commandant and one other officer only, shall be main- 
tained by the company. 

"The said commandant and soldiers shall not make 
any trade for furs with the savages nor French, directly 
nor indirectly, under any pretext whatever, under pain 
of confiscation of the said furs, and other punishment 
prescribed by the king. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 97 

Transportation of Goods by the Company— Fort Frontenac — Inventory of Goods. 

"Moreover, the said company binds itself to cause 
to be conveyed from Montreal to Detroit, at its own 
expense, the provisions and other articles which His 
Majesty shall furnish to the said garrison, with the help 
of fifteen livres per hundred weight, which the intendant 
shall cause to be paid from the treasury of His Majesty 
to the company. 

" In regard to Tort Frontenac, it will remain as it now 
is, fully and entirely at the disposal of His Majesty, un- 
less the company can advance some better claim than 
that of placing deputies there to make commerce in furs 
for their profit, to the exclusion of all others. 

"Until His Majesty's orders shall be received, the 
deputies shall be lodged, and their goods stored, in the 
storehouses of the fort, as the magazine guard and the 
goods of the king have been heretofore. 

There shall be made an inventory of all the effects 
which shall be found at the said fort, for the commerce 
of the said place, after the return of the last convoy for 
this year, which effects shall remain for the company, 
who shall be bound to pay for them at the price ex- 
pressed in the invoice and statement which is in the 
hands of the intendant. The said amount to be paid 
during the year 1702, from the returns of the commerce ; 
and in case that the said returns shall not be sufficient, 

the balance shall be paid in bills of exchange, which shall 

7 



98 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Fort Frontenac — Exclusive Fur-trade secured to the Company — Provisions of Contract. 

be drawn upon the said commissioners of the said com- 
pany, and its director in Paris. 

" The said company shall be required to pay the sum 
of seven livres and ten sous, French money, per hundred 
weight, for the transportation of effects from Montreal 
to the said fort; and the said company enjoying, as 
hereinbefore stated, the privilege of trading for furs at 
the said place of Fort Frontenac, exclusive of all others, 
will be required to transport to the said Fort Frontenac 
the articles necessary for the subsistence of the garrison 
of the said place, conformably to the orders of the king, 
contained in his dispatches of the present year. The 
commandant, officers, and soldiers which the governor- 
general shall hold there in garrison, shall make no trade, 
directly or indirectly, on pain of confiscation of their 
furs, and other punishments prescribed by the laws of 
the king, until the agreement be revoked. 

" Executed and conveyed at Quebec, Chateau St. 
Louis, in the forenoon of the thirty-first day of October, 
1701, the said gentlemen interested and the notaries 
having signed at the time, the agreements remaining in 
the office of M. de Chamblon, one of the notaries." 



CHAPTER V. 

Difficulty between the Jesuits and Franciscans — Character of M. Ca- 
dillac — Letter to Count Pontchartrain — Account of religious affairs — 
Eemoval of the savages to Detroit — Hurons — Miamis — Messages from 
the Outawa-Sinagos and Kiskakons — Necessity of presents to the sava- 
ges — Trade in buffalo-skins — Mulberry-trees on Grand river — Fine 
harvest at Detroit — Indian chiefs wish to visit France — Plan to form 
a company of Indian soldiers — Establishment of a seminary for the 
savages — Settlement by the Canadians — Cadillac complains of the 
large number of "permits" — Massacre of the Miamis by the Sioux — 
Other Indian difficulties arising from the " permits." 

The directors of the " Company of the Colony" were 
Jesuits, and it was by their solicitation, aided by the 
united petition of the Jesuit missionaries already estab- 
lished in different portions of the Northwest, that they 
succeeded in obtaining from the governor-general the 
appointment of Father Yaillant to accompany M. de la 
Motte Cadillac, and establish himself as missionary at 
Detroit. 

M. Cadillac was a zealous Catholic, as his correspond- 
ence abundantly testifies ; but he was a Franciscan, and 
a cordial hater of the Jesuits. This fact was undoubt- 
edly well known, as he did not hesitate to speak his sen- 
timents in his official letters, and in his private corre- 
spondence ; and a disposition to thwart his plans and 



100 EAELT HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Character of M. la Motte Cadillac — Hia voluminous MSS. 

purposes was soon manifested by that powerful and com- 
pletely organized body. Many of the difficulties which 
subsequently arose in the colony, are clearly traceable 
to these personal dislikes. 

M. de la Motte Cadillac was a bold, ambitious, enthu- 
siastic man; somewhat visionary in his plans, prompt 
in action, fearless in speech, and of that decided cast 
of mind that always gives its possessor many enemies. 
Tet he was kind-hearted ; and, if the decision of a supe- 
rior court is any evidence, more frequently right than 
wrong in the course he pursued in the management of 
the affairs of the colony. 

A man's writings usually contain the impress of his 
mind, at least in a sufficient degree to enable one to 
judge quite correctly of his habits of thought, and thence 
to infer, with some certainty, his general course of con- 
duct. The voluminous MSS. of M. la Motte are deeply 
interesting. Thev give the reader a more correct idea 
of the man as he was, than any mere individual opinion 
could do, while a life-like picture of those early scenes is 
here preserved, which would otherwise have been lost 
in oblivion. 

The following letter, addressed to Count Pontchar- 
train, shows the state of the colony two years after its 
settlement, and details the plans of the zealous com- 
mandant for its future welfare : 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 101 

Letter to Count Pontchartrain — Jesuits— Superior of Quebec. 

"Fort Pontchartrain, Aug. 31, 1703. 

" Monseigneiir : — I had the honor to write you, last 
year, a full account of all the affairs of this post ; aucl I 
write you again, not knowing what arrangements you 
may have made concerning it. 

"Doubtless you have noticed the regulations which 
were made by M. le Chevalier de Callieres, between 
Rev. Father Bouvert and myself, while I was at Quebec, 
and have supposed that all its stipulations were fulfilled 
on both sides. 

"These regulations prove, with evidence, the oppo- 
sition which the Jesuits in this country have raiser! 
against the settlement of the savages at this post ; and I 
did hope that they would keep the promises which they 
made by public compact. 

"You had the kindness to write me that the king 
wishes the savages to be served by the Father Jesuits ; 
and that the Superior of Quebec would give me those 
who would enter into my plans better than did Father 
Vaillant. 

" One would suppose that your orders would have 
sufficed to engage the services of the Superior in pro- 
viding for this mission immediately ; especially when 
you had so kindly favored him by permitting Father 
Vaillant to remain in this country after opposing, as he 
did, the intentions of His Majesty. 



102 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Account of Religious affairs — Salary of Missionaries. 

" The regulations of M. Callieres seem also to require 
him to provide for the missions, as it is clearly ex- 
pressed there. Yet you will see that till now, the 
Jesuits have done nothing towards executing the in- 
tentions of His Majesty, though you have plainly ex- 
pressed them to M. de Callieres and the Superior of 
Quebec, and have also been pleased to inform me of 
them. 

" I do not know whether you have been informed that, 
in consequence of these regulations, the Company of the 
Colony have agreed to pay to the missionaries on the 
Detroit, the yearly sum of eight hundred francs each, 
and furnish them with necessary food and clothing, to be 
transported to their stations at the expense of the com- 
pany ; lodging them in the villages of the savages until 
more commodious houses can be erected for them. 

" I am satisfied, on my part, in regard to the meas- 
ures they have taken ; and the company seems to be 
satisfied on its own part, having this spring, in con- 
formity to the regulations, sent an express canoe for 
Father Marest, Superior of Michilimackinac. He pre- 
tended to have very important reasons for not coming 
here ; and the company incurred the expense of the 
voyage to no purpose, as they had before done for 
Father Yaillant. 

" You wished me to be a friend of the Jesuits, and to 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 103 

w 

Cadillac's opinion of the Jesuits — Immigration of the Sauteurs and Mississagues. 

have no trouble with them. After much reflection, I 
have found only three ways in which this can be accom- 
plished : the first is, to let them do as they please ; the 
second, to do whatever they desire ; and the third, to 
say nothing of what they do. 

" If I let the Jesuits do what they please, the savages 
will not establish themselves at Detroit ; nor would any 
of them ever have settled here. If I do what they would 
desire, it will be necessary to have this post abandoned ; 
and if I say nothing of what they do, it will only be 
necessary for me to pursue my present course. Notwith- 
standing this last essential point, I cannot yet engage 
them to be my friends. 

" It is for you, my lord, to say whether you wish me 
to continue to induce the savages to establish themselves 
here, that this post may be preserved and sustained with 
eclat. If these are your sentiments, as I believe they 
are, perhaps I am the proper person to carry your plans 
into execution. But, I dare say to you, that the opinions 
of the Jesuits in this country are totally opposed to 
yours, at least on this point. 

"All these things have not prevented the Sauteurs 
and Mississagues from coming here again this year, to 
build a village on this river. By my advice, these two 
nations have united into one. I judged this proper, 
thinking their union would be better for themselves, and 



104 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Hurons of Michilimackinac — Father Carheil. 

for us, if any rupture should occur between these colo- 
nies and their enemies. 

" Thirty Hurons of Michilimackinac arrived here on 
the 28th of June, to unite themselves with those already 
established here. There remain only about twenty-five 
at Michilimackinac. Father Carheil, who is missionary 
there, remains always firm. I hope, this fall, to pluck 
out the last feather of his wing, and I am persuaded that 
this obstinate old priest will die in his parish, without 
having a single parishioner to bury him. 

" Several small bands of the Miamis have established 
themselves here, and also a few of the Kepisserinieux ; 
some have joined the Hurons, and others the Outawas, 
and the Oppenagos, or Loups. 

" The remainder of the Outawa-Sinagos, who are still 
at Michilimackinac, have sent me a necklace, in secret, 
to tell me they will come to join their brothers at De- 
troit, after they have gathered in their harvest. Six 
wigwams of Kiskakons have sent me the same mes- 
sage. I have replied, by necklaces, that I was going 
to mark out the land where they could make their 
fields. 

" This, proceeding on the part of the savages, shows 
how much the Jesuits intimidate them, by causing the 
apprehension to creep into their minds that some bad 
trick will be played upon them if they come here. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 105 



Six thousand Francs— Presents for Savages— Supply of Goods necessary. 



" When it pleases you that I should make an entire 
reunion of our allies at this place, it will be very easy to 
accomplish it ; though on account of the extraordinary 
war of Canada, it will now be necessary to have about 
six thousand francs placed at my disposal, to be em- 
ployed as I judge expedient, for the success of this 
enterprise ; and of which I will give an exact ac- 
count to M. de. Callieres, and M. Beauharnais, the in- 
tendant. 

" I have already had the honor to write you concern- 
ing the presents and necklaces which we give the sava- 
ges. These are especially given to induce their trans- 
migration, and are, to them, pledges of our fidelity to 
the promises we make them ; and are titles which give 
them the right to possess, or abandon, as contracts do 
among civilized people. 

" You know that, to this day, the company have not 
contributed a farthing for gifts, to put the savages in 
motion. It is true that they have placed in my hands a 
considerable stock of goods, to give an appearance of 
prosperity to this establishment, without cost to the king ; 
and I believe they have reason to be satisfied with my 
management, since it is certain that they have rather 
gained than lost. I am better informed concerning this 
than any one else ; at any rate, if they complain of the 
expenses which it has been, or may be, necessary to in- 



106 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 



Cadillac pledges Indemnification — Desires some Service as proof of bis Sincerity. 



cur to sustain this post, I willingly pledge myself to in- 
demnify them, and to urge on affairs here as your High- 
ness may desire. 

" If you doubt it, I will, whenever you please, give 
you such proof, that I dare flatter myself you will fully 
believe my statement. 

" If this portion of the country had not been excluded 
from commerce, it would have fortified itself. 

" I think the shortest way by which I could inspire 
you with confidence, would be by actual service. Have 
the kindness to employ me in some enterprise, and sus- 
tain me with the honor of your protection ; and if, in 
spite of all the malice and trickery of my enemies, I do 
not succeed, never use me again. 

" My enemies are continually attempting to overthrow 
my plans, or at least to produce vexatious delays, by 
presenting numerous arguments against them, represent- 
ing the obstacles to be insurmountable, while I am em- 
ployed in proving the fallacy of their objections. 

" I do not know that the trade in buffalo-skins could 
be sustained, on account of the contempt in which they 
are held by the company. They do not pay the savages 
for them more than six francs a-piece. This does not 
please the hunters, because a package of hides, weighing 
two hundred and fifty or three hundred pounds, must 
be transported from three to four leagues inland, which 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 107 

Copper on Lake Huron— Facilities for obtaining the Ore — Plan of Exploration. 

they find too much labor. They therefore prefer to em- 
ploy themselves in hunting beavers and other animals, 
whose skins are lighter and easier to transport. 

" If the company does not increase the price of buffalo- 
skins, I think the savages will follow this chase only at 
a time when they can obtain no other furs. 

" We have found a mine of copper on Lake Huron, of 
which I send you a specimen, which seems to me very 
pure. I have sent as much to M. de Callieres, and to 
the directors of the company, in order that they may 
take measures to know if it is sufficiently abundant to 
induce them to make an enterprise of it. The conveni- 
ences would be great, as the boats, and even the vessels 
could go to the places where it is, not being very far 
distant from this post. 

" If you will permit me to explore the mines in the 
neighborhood of the lakes and rivers, I will devote my- 
self to the exploration, visiting the different localities in 
person, that you may be more certainly informed of the 
facts. I am not able to incur the expense, but will only 
ask permission to choose for this enterprise twelve capa- 
ble men, in Canada, who shall have the liberty to carry 
goods to the amount of four hundred francs each, and 
no more, into the places which they shall visit. In con- 
forming myself to your wishes, I will close the mouth of 
all my enemies. By this means, perhaps, there will 



108 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Mulberry-trees on Grand Eiver — Cultivation of Silk — Abundant harvest. 

remain to the envious, only the vexation of seeing me 
succeed. 

" In any case, this attempt will cost nothing to the 
king, nor to the public ; consequently, they will have 
little ground of complaint. 

" The Grand river, so called, on Lake Erie, near the 
farther extremity, is about fifteen leagues from here ; 
and along its shores, and extending into the depths of 
its forests, are great numbers of mulberry-trees ; the land 
is also perfectly good. If you will have the kindness to 
grant me six leagues on each side of the river, and as 
much in the forest, in title of marquisate, with the rights 
of hunting, fishing, and trade, I "will undertake the cul- 
tivation of silk, by having people come from France who 
understand the business, and who will bring with them 
the necessary quantity of silkworms. Should you grant 
me this kindness, I will take measures to have them 
come by the first vessels, in order that they may, arrive 
here before winter. 

" As to trade, I will not make any till after the lease 
of the company expires. 

" We have made a fine harvest this year, and have 
abundant supplies for a garrison of one hunch-eel and 
fifty men, but I do not believe we shall be at that trou- 
ble, on account of the objections that are made to giving 
me soldiers. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 109 

Military importance of Detroit— Chief of the Hurons — Indian soldiers. 

" I Lave contented myself "with asking for only fifty 
effective men ; they left me but twenty-five, and I do 
not know as they will grant me even the additional 
twenty-five. I beg you to order M. de Callieres to grant 
me fifty more next year, that this garrison may be com- 
posed of one hundred effective men. 

"This post should be equal to all emergencies, not 
only on account of our enemies, but also on account of 
our allies, whom it is necessary to hold in abeyance. It 
would be still better if you would send me some troops 
from France. 

" The principal chief of the Hurons, who is very 
absolute in his nation, told me to write to you that 
he would be very glad to go to France, to assure His 
Majesty of his fidelity, and of his earnest desire to 
engage in the French service. He proposes to form a 
company of fifty men, of his nation, provided the 
French will make him captain, and give him a lieu- 
tenant and ensign. He also requires that we should 
pay him and his soldiers, by the month, the same wages 
that the officers and soldiers of the army are paid in this 
country. 

" There is another chief, of the same nation, who ob- 
ligates himself to do the same thing. They beg of you 
also to give them a passage on a vessel, to visit the king. 
I believe they intend to have a hunting expedition for 



110 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Message of the Outawa Chief— Indian soldiers— Chiefs request Clothing, &c. 

the purpose of obtaining furs for a present to yourself, 
as an expression of their good-will. 

" The principal chief of the Outawas, who is one of 
the noblest looking men I have seen among all these 
nations, and who is Frenchified in his habits, requested 
me to write you, that he also is anxious to visit you, but 
his age will not permit him to take so long a journey. 
However, he will send his nephew, with another friend, 
to France, to offer his services to the king. If His Ma- 
jesty wishes to incur the expense, I think it will be the 
best means by which to secure the entire subjection of 
these two nations. 

" I think it would be necessary to spare these Indian 
soldiers a little in the beginning, and only oblige them 
to do military duty once a month, when they would be 
reviewed with the other troops. It might even be expe- 
dient to release them entirely from military duty for 
three months during the winter, when they are engaged 
in hunting ; but it would be necessary to be very exact 
in paying these companies every month. 

"The chiefs who propose to form these companies, 
wish to have standards and clothes like the other sol- 
diers; and they hope you will also furnish them with 
arms. They have assured me that they would obey me 
in all things pertaining to the service of the king, and 
have also promised obedience to all others who are 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. Ill 

Residence of the Huron Chief— Outawa Chief visits Montreal. 

commissioned by him. I have fully explained to them 
how they must behave as soldiers, and especially that 
they would be exjjected to exercise a spirit of subordina- 
tion. They expressed themselves satisfied with all my 
instructions. 

"None need be astonished at their ready acquies- 
cence, for all men, in whatever state they are born, 
lack neither vanity nor ambition ; and there are always 
enough who are anxious to make themselves esteemed 
and renowned among their fellow-men. 

" The chief of the Hurons is already so inflated by 
this proposition, that he has requested M. de Callieres to 
cause him to live in French fashion. I received an 
order, when in Quebec, to build him a house of oak, 
forty feet long, and twenty-four feet wide. This house 
is delightfully situated on the margin of the river ; it 
stands on a little eminence, and overlooks the village of 
the Hurons. His example has induced the chief of the 
Outawas to go to Montreal, to ask the same favor of 
M. de Callieres. He has not yet returned, but, without 
doubt, his request will be granted. 

" You will perceive, by what I have written, that my 
plans seem to be working well. My opinion is, that 
these things are the most sure to render this people per- 
manently subject to the king, and afterward to make 
them Christians. These projects will have a better effect 



112 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Good result? of the efforts of the Missionaries— Indian Seminary needed. 

than the preaching of the missionaries, since it is certain 
that they do not make any progress, and that all the 
good they do, is that which arises from the baptism of 
those children who die after having received it. 

" Permit me to insist upon the great necessity there 
is for the establishment of a seminary at this place, for 
the instruction of the children of the savages with those 
of the French — instructing them in piety, and, at the 
same time, teaching them our language. 

"The savages, being naturally proud, seeing their 
children placed among ours, would dress them in the 
same manner, and make their attendance at the semi- 
nary a point of honor. It is true that it would be neces- 
sary, at first, to allow these little savages great liberty, 
and only confine ourselves to the design of civilizing 
them, and rendering them capable of receiving instruc- 
tion ; and leave the rest to Him who made the heart. 

" This expense would not be very great ; I believe if 
His Majesty would grant a thousand crowns to the sem- 
inary at Quebec, that institution would commence this 
pious and holy work. Those gentlemen are so full of 
zeal for the service of God, and of charity for all that 
regards the subjects of the king in this colony, that we 
cannot help admiring them. All the country is under 
inexpressible obligations to them for the good education 
they give the youth, together with their good example 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 113 

Cadillac pledges himself for the future Support of the Seminary — No lack of Hunters. 

and doctrine. It is these efforts which have produced 
very good subjects in the service of the Church in New 
France. 

" I think you cannot commence this work too soon, 
and, if you object to it on account of the expenses which 
may arise afterward, I will pledge myself to raise, in this 
country, the amount necessary to continue to the savages 
this gratification, without any farther cost to the king. 

" There is no reason to fear that savages will be want- 
ing to do the hunting necessary to supply beaver and 
other furs. There are many nations in the vicinity of 
the lakes, and in the depths of the immense forests, who 
will never, perhaps, be reached by civilization, quite 
sufficient to kill all the animals whose furs are useful in 
trade. 

" If these nations immediately around us are brought 
into subjection to the service of the king, in the manner 
I have proposed, it would not prevent them from doing 
their hunting at the proper time. These things will 
only bring them into a state to be Frenchified, and en- 
able them to take arms in the service of the king, when 
he shall need them. 

" One can easily perceive that if the savages were 
to-day upon the proposed footing, it would be of great 
advantage to the colony ; since it is certain that, at the 
first beat of the drum, we could place under arms those 



114 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Advantages of firm Union with Indian allies— Decisive Orders necessary. 

savages who are disciplined, and their example would 
easily attract all the rest to follow them, and do like 
them. Thus, in the present war, these people, if united 
with us, would make incursions and terrible inundations 
upon the English colonies. Instead of that, they are 
divided among themselves, and are content to see us 
do, while we are only too happy if we can continue to 
hold them in that state. 

"I foresee that there will be many objections to the 
plans which I have the honor to lay before you. I can- 
not prevent them, but can only assure you that the plans 
shall succeed if you wish. 

" To come to the point, it will be necessary for you to 
send good orders, very decisive and exact, and to speak 
a little with the great teeth. 

" If these plans were proposed by some one who has 
the protection of the Jesuits, they would have an ex- 
cellent relish for them, and nothing would appear more 
easy to be put in execution. But, because I have not 
consulted them, or rather, because I have not been dis- 
posed to allow myself to be treated as a slave, as some 
of my predecessors were, who commanded in this coun- 
try, they represent as impossible every thing that I pro- 
pose. It seems to me, nevertheless, that if the Count 
would pay attention to these plans which I have the 
honor to present, and of which M. de la Touche is 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 115 

Synopsis of Memorial — Change in the Fur-trade. 

well-informed, it could be clearly seen whether I reason 
wisely or extravagantly. 

"I will not repeat the different designs I have pre- 
sented to the Count, I will only speak of Detroit. When 
I had the honor to present my memorial to you, remem- 
ber, if you please, what trouble there was on account of 
the too great quantity of beaver, for which they could 
not find sale in France. The old traders complained 
that, on this account, they would not be able to sustain 
their lease. I mentioned this in my memorial, asking 
for the establishment of Detroit, and pledged myself to 
employ the savages in hunting other animals, such as 
the deer, the wild goat, the Canadian elk, the roebuck, 
the black bear, and the wolf, together with the lynx, 
otter, pecquans, and other small furs, for three years, 
without hunting the beaver, in order that they might, by 
this means, have time to sell a considerable quantity of 
the furs already amassed. I have so far executed what 
I promised, that there have been sent out from Detroit 
only about eight thousand beaver-skins in three years ; 
and the surplus trade has been of large skins and small 
furs. The books of the company show that this fact is 
indisputable. 

" The second design that I had in projecting this es- 
tablishment, was not so much to have another post for 
commerce, as to afford a protection to commerce ; since 



116 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Good garrison indispensable— Grants of Land to Soldiers — Canadians. 

from this place we can go by canoe to all the nations 
that are around the lakes. It is a door by which one 
can go in and out, to trade with all our allies. 

" I confess that to give success to this establishment, 
it will be necessary to make it a substantial post; to 
keep here a good garrison, to give the liberty to settle 
here, and not to allow any other establishment in the 
upper country. 

" As several of the soldiers desire to establish them- 
selves in this place, and for this purpose have asked of 
me grants of land, have the kindness to inform me if 
you wish me to comply with their request. They would 
take the confirmation of the grant from M. de Callieres 
and M. de Beauharnais. 

" Do you wish the soldiers to marry here, when they 
shall be in a condition to support a family ? I think it 
would be policy to settle a certain number of them every 
year. 

" Be pleased also to inform me if you wish dwelling- 
places granted to the Canadians : there are several who 
persecute me continually for them. 

" It is for you to speak decidedly on this point, for I 
cannot conceal from you that the company do not wish 
to do any thing about it. They pretend that this emi- 
gration would weaken the posts on this side of Quebec 
and Montreal. As for me, I do not believe that forty or 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 117 

Inhabitants needed at Detroit — French Settlements — Jesuits. 

fifty men, more or less, in those larger places, would 
make much difference, or prevent the execution of any 
of their projects, while at this post they would, without 
doubt, be a great assistance. Nothing can ever be ac- 
complished here without more inhabitants. Our allies, 
who are already established here, and those who are on 
the way, would soon consider it a bad omen, and draw 
vexatious inferences concerning the faithfulness of our 
promises, as we have told them this should be a very 
considerable establishment. 

"Perhaps you are already aware that there are no 
French settlements in this country, even to the habita- 
tion of M. Juchereau,* where there are not Jesuits. 
Detroit is the only exception. As they express so much 
earnest zeal in serving the missions, this fact shows the 
good-will they have toward me. As they trouble them- 
selves so much with my affairs, I do not desire to see 
them here ; yet they should choose for themselves, and 
make known their decision, that measures might be 
taken to have other missionaries come. 

" It is proper that you should be informed that more 
than fifty years since, the Iroquois, by force of arms, 
drove away nearly all of the other Indian nations from 

~ M. Juchereau's was the most distant trading-post of the Northwest, 
and was, I think, at the western extremity of the country of the Illi- 
nois, beyond Lake Michigan. 



1-18 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Lake Superior region — Micbilitnackinac— M. Cadillac — Montreal. 

this region to the farther extremity of Lake Superior — a 
country five hundred leagues north of this post, and 
frightfully barren and inhospitable. About thirty-two 
years ago, these exiled tribes collected themselves to- 
gether at Michilimackinac, which is also an ungrateful 
land. There they were obliged to subsist principally 
upon fish, in the manner that I explained to you in a 
statement which I made when in France, and with 
which you had the kindness to tell me you were well 
satisfied. 

" It seems that God has raised me as another Moses to 
go and deliver this people from captivity, or rather, as 
Caleb, to bring them back to the country of their fathers, 
to their ancient dwelling-place, of which there remained 
to them but a faint idea. 

" Meanwhile, Montreal plays the part of Pharaoh ; he 
cannot see this emigration without trembling, and he 
arms himself to destroy it. But I hope the Count, no- 
ticing that he is a ferocious beast without a guide, and 
without light, will smooth my path, and break through 
the impediments only to inundate and submerge those 
who have the rashness to desire the overthrow of a de- 
sign so just. 

" The people of Montreal do not know what they ask. 
They have broken the scepter of their first king, who is 
God himself. They wished to reject, and even stone 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 119 

Iroquois abandon that region — Company of the Colony. 

Him, who caused exquisite food to be rained upon the 
most ungrateful lands, and broke the rocks to satisfy 
their thirst. 

" Of what do they complain, since the post of Detroit 
is established in an abandoned country, which has long 
remained in the possession of the Iroquois and the 
wolves ? 

" The Iroquois pursued the chase in all that region, 
and brought the beaver and small furs to the English. 
This is an indubitable fact, and one must be full of 
stubbornness to dispute it. I have, therefore, taken the 
right time to commence this establishment. The Iro- 
quois have entirely withdrawn, or if any remain, they 
are intermingled with our allies. All the hunting is 
done by our savages, and all the trade returns to us. It 
is, then, a benefit to the kingdom of France, and a source 
of profit which we have torn from England. 

"Individuals have complained that the Company of 
the Colony have the sole profit. I do not deny it ; I 
leave them the liberty to clamor ; I only wish that they 
may have eyes to distinguish that it is not the fault of 
the establishment, nor of him who planned it. 

" I confess to some degree of boldness in coming to 
erect a trading-post for the company, in the midst of 
an ungoverned people. They now begin to have some 
first ideas of subordination, but these will soon be ef- 



120 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Commissioners— Cadillac's management of the Allies. 

faced, since the company have suddenly reduced them 
to the necessity of accepting whatever the commissioners 
feel disposed to give. The savages are also exposed to 
the insults of these commissioners of the company, who 
treat them according to their whim, or rather according 
to the brutal disposition which this kind of people usually 
possess. 

"I wish to believe that the affairs of the kingdom 
have induced the Count to adopt the present system for 
a time, with the intention of uniting this post to His 
Majesty's domain, after the lease has expired. It is in 
this belief that I have devoted myself here to the service 
of the king. In managing our allies, I endeavor to 
make them understand that this second captivity, or 
rather this barbarous tyranny, will soon end. I do not 
know whether all our promises can induce them to be 
patient till that time. I fear that this kind of servitude 
will cause them to trade with the English, and form 
alliances with them. It will not be just to blame me 
if this should be the case. 

" If this establishment is bad, it would be well for the 
Count to decide its fate at once. I have spoken my 
opinion about it; I have explained the circumstances of 
the case : you have been convinced of the necessity for 
erecting this fort, and its utility in the service of the 
king, the progress of religion, and the advancement of 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 121 

Cadillac requests special Kegulations for his Post 

the colony. It only remains for me now to imitate the 
governor of the Holy City — take water and wash my 
hands of the aiFair. 

" Had it been the pleasure of my lord to grant me the 
government of this colony, it would have been in my 
case as in all others. Cries and complaints would have 
been changed into congratulations and compliments ; 
because those who envy me, and who, without cause, 
fear my advancement, have sufficient power to blacken 
all I do, with the desire to effect my removal ; while, if 
they saw their hopes frustrated, they would follow the 
ordinary course of people, and applaud the very project 
against which they had inveighed. 

" If you would yourself make the regulations for this 
post, instead of sending general orders to Canada, every 
thing would go much better; for, not being near the 
governor-general and intendant myself to urge my own 
claims, they always have some private reason for not 
granting me the protection which I ask of them. All 
this is done, in order to manage those who oppose me. 
It is not in my power to prevent this, whatever measures 
I may take. 

" They continue to send out traders among our allies, 
under the plausible pretext of a continuation of the 
permits. The traders, finding themselves at greater 
liberty now than ever before, are guilty of conduct 



122 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Disgraceful Conduct of the Traders— Disaffection of the Allies — Robbery of M. Boudor. 

disgraceful to the French nation, and enormities are 
committed that deserve correction. These things cause 
great disaffection among our allies, "which it will be diffi- 
cult to remedy. 

"Last year they sent M. Boudor, a Montreal mer- 
chant, into the country of the Sioux, to join Le Sueur. 
He succeeded so well in that journey that he transported 
thither twenty-five or thirty thousand pounds of mer- 
chandise, with which to trade in all the country of the 
Outawas. This proved to him an unfortunate invest- 
ment, as he has been robbed of part of the goods by the 
Outagamies. I believed it necessary that you should be 
informed of this affair, that you might apply a remedy. 

" The occasion of this robbery by one of our own allies 
was as follows : I speak with a full knowledge of the facts, 
as they occurred while I was at Michilimackinac. From 
time immemorial, our allies have been at war with the 
Sioux; and on my arrival at Michilimackinac, in con- 
formity to the orders of M. Frontenac, the most able 
man who has ever come into Canada, I attempted to 
negotiate a truce between the Sioux and all our allies. 
Succeeding in this negotiation, I took the occasion to 
turn their arms against the Iroquois, with whom we were 
then at war ; and soon after, I effected a treaty of peace 
between the Sioux, and the French and their allies, 
which lasted two years. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 123 



Sioux visit the Miamis — Take their departure — Return and massacre three thousand. 

" At the end of that time, the Sioux came, in great 
numbers, to the villages of the Miamis, under pretense 
of ratifying the treaty. They were well received by 
the Miamis, and after spending several days in their 
villages departed, apparently perfectly satisfied with 
their good reception, as they certainly had every reason 
to be. 

" The Miamis, believing them already far distant, 
slept quietly ; but the Sioux, who had premeditated the 
attack, returned the same night to the principal village 
of the Miamis, where most of the tribe were congregated, 
and, taking them by surprise, slaughtered nearly three 
thousand, and put the rest to flight. 

" This perfidy irritated all the nations. They came to 
Michilimackinac with their complaints, begging me to 
join with them and exterminate the Sioux. But the war 
we then had upon our hands did not permit me to listen 
to their proposition, so it became necessary for me to 
hold a great council, and play the orator in a long 
harangue. In conclusion, I advised them to ' weep 
their dead, and wrap them up, and leave them to 
sleep coldly till the day of vengeance should come ;' 
telling them that we must sweep the land, on this side, 
of the Iroquois, as it was necessary to extinguish even 
their memory, after which the allied tribes could more 
easily avenge the atrocious deed that the Sioux had 



124 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Allies complain that the French Traders carry Munitions of War to the Sioux. 

just committed upon them. In short, I managed them 
so well that the affair was settled in the manner that I 
proposed. 

"But the twenty-five permits still existed, and the 
cupidity of the French induced them to go among the 
Sioux to trade for beaver. Our allies complained bit- 
terly of this, saying it was gross injustice to them, as 
they had taken up arms in our quarrel against the Iro- 
quois, while the French traders were carrying munitions 
of war to the Sioux, to enable them to kill the rest of 
our allies, as they had the Miamis. They begged me to 
remedy this, especially as the French were passing over 
their land and before their villages, which was a viola- 
tion of their rights. 

" I immediately informed M. Frontenac ; and M. 
Champigny having read the communication and noticed 
the reasons that I gave, commanded that an ordinance 
be published at Montreal, forbidding the traders to go 
to the country of the Sioux for the purpose of traffic, 
under penalty of a thousand francs fine, the confiscation 
of their goods, and other arbitrary penalties, according 
to the opinion which I might give on the subject. This 
ordinance was sent to me at Michilimackinac, with 
orders to publish it there, and in all the other remote 
posts. This was faithfully executed. 

" The same year I descended to Quebec, having asked 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 125 

French traders carry goods to the Sioux— Cadillac reminded of his promise. 

to be relieved. Since that time, in spite of this prohibi- 
tion, the French have continued to trade with the Sioux, 
but not without being exposed to affronts and indignities 
from our allies themselves, which bring dishonor on the 
French name. 

" All the nations, remembering the promise which I 
made to go with them against the Sioux as soon as 
the war with the Iroquois was ended, have now called 
on me to fulfill it. As the season furnished me a good 
excuse, I have made use of it ; also telling them that to- 
day I was fighting against the English, and they must 
be patient a while longer. 

" They replied, that, if I would not enter into their 
quarrel, they had one request to make, which they 
hoped I would grant, namely, to prevent the French, as 
I did at Michilimackinac, from going to the homes of 
the Sioux to cany them arms and munitions of war. 
They thought I ought to be the more determined in my 
orders, as they had recently had a combat with the 
Sioux, and had found among the slain the bodies of two 
Frenchmen, who had fought with the Sioux against our 
own allies. 

"I have given my opinion on this subject to M. 
Callieres and M. Beauharnais, and explained to them 
clearly that it is important that we should not thus vio- 
late our promises, and that we cannot do so without 



126 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cadillac requests that commerce with the Sioux be prohibited — Le Sueur. 

exposing ourselves to the danger of losing the confidence 
of our allies. I do not consider it best any longer to 
allow the traders to carry on commerce with the Sioux, 
under any pretext whatever, especially as M. Boudor has 
just been robbed by the Fox nation, and M. Juchereau 
has given a thousand crowns, in goods, for the right of 
passage through the country of the allies to his habita- 
tion. They assert that they have a right to demand this, 
as he carries succor to their enemies — and I believe they 
reason correctly. 

" The allies say that Le Sueur has gone to the homes 
of the Sioux on the Mississippi ; that they are resolved 
to oppose him, and if he offers any resistance they will 
not be answerable for the consequences. It would be 
well, therefore, to give Le Sueur warning by the gover- 
nor of Mississippi. 

"All these disorders arise solely on account of the 
remote trading-posts, which are all useless, or rather 
very injurious, since they serve only as pretexts for ob- 
taining permits. When these are obtained, instead of 
going directly to their several posts, they traffic for 
beaver and smaller furs along the great river of the 
Outawas, on the shores of Lakes Huron, Superior, and 
Michigan, and all through the country of the Outawas. 
It is thus they have been in the habit of doing, and still 
do. Messrs. de la Forest and De Tonti, and now Juche- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 127 

Lawless conduct of the Canadians — Country of the Illinois granted to La Salle. 

reau and Pascaud, who are associated with them, trade 
in all this country, even to the environs of Detroit. 

"These things cause public jealousy, and give license 
to all the pranks of the lawless Canadians, who say, 
without ceremony, that it is only the circumspect and 
obedient who are dupes. In truth, they are not entirely 
wrong ; for it is grievous to them to see the traders, 
with permits, skimming the very cream of the country, 
which had previously been given to themselves. I have 
written often on this subject, but a perfect silence has 
thus far been maintained in all my instructions from 
government. 

" You know that the country of the Illinois has been 
granted to M. la Salle, with stipulations and conditions, 
by none of which, however, did he consider himself 
bound; and that post has only served to cause many 
disputes among His Majesty's traders, on account of the 
bad quality of beaver there. This is the reason that the 
Count has forbidden Messrs. la Forest and Tonti to estab- 
lish themselves there, while, at the same time, he permits 
them to trade for small furs — which excites much sur- 
prise, since it is well known that there are no other furs 
than the skins of the buffalo and roebuck. Of these, 
however, they can find enough elsewhere, as they have 
always had the liberty of trading where they pleased, 
without any reproof. 



128 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

War between the Sauteurs, and Sacs and Foxes— Goods for presents withheld. 

" The Sauteurs, being friendly with, the Sioux, wished 
to give passage through their country to M. Boudor and 
others, permitting them to carry arms and other muni- 
tions of war to this nation ; but the other nations being 
opposed to it, differences have arisen between them, 
which have resulted in the robbery of M. Boudor. This 
has given occasion to the Sauteurs to make an attack 
upon the Sacs and Foxes, killing thirty or forty of them. 
So there is war among this people. 

" I sliould have remedied all these disorders, and put 
an end to these differences, if I had not been here with 
my baton Mane, with no instructions from the king to 
employ it in favor of the savages, to whom we never 
speak on subjects of importance with empty hands. 

" Similar massacres have been committed formerly, but 
I have been able to settle all difficulties, because M. Fron- 
tenac sent me, every year, a considerable amount of 
goods, to be disposed of according to circumstances, the 
intendant taking certificates of the distributions as I 
made them. 

" Since his death, the government has pursued a dif- 
ferent course, sending me nothing to Detroit for such 
emergencies. I have written to the governor-general 
and intendant for such a fund, but they have not 
deigned to reply. There being, in all this region, no 
other establishment than this, of which M. Callieres has 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 129 

Special envoys sent into the Wilderness — Perversion of the orders of Government 

given me the general command, this authority will be 
but a shadow, if they continue the practice that they 
have commenced, which is to send special envoys to the 
homes of the nations with presents. 

" These envoys cannot go without expense ; or, at 
least, the government must permit those who go on such 
an embassy to load their canoes with goods for the pur- 
poses of trade. The effect is, that these persons have no 
other object than to obtain the greatest possible number 
of beaver, even employing the presents with which they 
are charged, for their own profit, having no person to 
inspect their conduct. 

" It w r ould be much more natural that all such com- 
missions should be addressed directly to Detroit, and 
that every thing should pass through my hands, because 
I should order the chiefs of the nations to come here and 
settle all their disputes. In regard to the distribution 
and use which I should make of the presents that might 
be committed to my care, I would give my certificate 
for them, and the other officers, the missionaries, and 
even the agents, might give theirs — so there would be 
no abuses committed. Besides, who can be chosen to 
settle the quarrels of the savages, that knows their man- 
ners, their habits and inclinations, better than I, or in 
whom they have more confidence ? 

"Would it not be expedient for you to send me a 



130 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



News of the death of M. de Callieres received at Detroit. 



commission for the general command of this post, and of 
other remote ones, in order to put an end to the present 
system of injustice? 

" The savages have just informed me that four loaded 
canoes have recently been sent into the north of Lake 
Superior, past a village of the Sauteurs ; I do not know 
for what purpose, but probably, as usual, on some plau- 
sible pretext. The Sioux, to whom these canoes are 
probably sent, are a people of no value to us, as they 
are too far distant to be in any way advantageous to our 
commerce. 

"As the convoy that comes from Montreal usually 
remains here only two or three days, I had written this 
letter thus far, in order not to delay it. I have fre- 
quently mentioned M. de Callieres, not knowing that he 
was dead, which I have just learned with sorrow. His 
death will be a loss to the colony, which had need of a 
person of such experience. 

" Some time since I wrote to M. Callieres, not being 
aware of his death, requesting him to increase this gar- 
rison to fifty men, that it might be in a state of effectual 
defense in case of an attack. A sufficient number of 
men for this purpose seems peculiarly necessary at a 
post, that is liable to be deprived of all external aid. 
M. Vaudreuil, the present governor-general, has replied 
that he could not spare any soldiers, since many of them 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 131 

Desertion of Soldiers — Cause — The returning Deserters received. 

had died the past year, and some had deserted. Nine 
soldiers have also deserted from this post : however, they 
have requested permission to return. Some of them say 
that they took this course because they had been prom- 
ised, on leaving Montreal, that after three years' service 
they should be discharged. In fact, M. de Callieres 
gave them -his word for it in public. Others say that 
the cause of their desertion was, that they were overbur- 
dened with work ; that they were required to do other 
than military service ; and that they were vexed to see 
the profits of their labor returning to a company which 
treated them, in their need, as Turk treats Moor. There 
are yet others, who speak of promises to give them 
lands, and of allowing them to establish themselves here, 
and that, finding themselves deceived, they resolved to 
desert. 

" It is very certain that when I left Montreal, Messrs. 
de Callieres and Champigny encouraged me to hope for 
an increased number of troops ; therefore I thought best 
to refresh the memory of M. de Callieres in my letter. 
On that account, Messrs. Yaudreuil and Beauharnais 
allowed me to receive the deserters, supposing that the 
new ordinance against deserters had not been published. 

" M. de Callieres had also granted my request that six 
families might be sent to settle here ; but this has been 
refused me since his death, with the excuse that none 



132 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Families not permitted to emigrate to Detroit— Petition for Cattle not granted. 

have offered to go — although I am credibly informed 
that as many families as could be wished, would gladly 
come, if they had the liberty to do so. I had also asked 
for cattle. The company were very willing to bear the 
expense of their transportation, and the directors inform 
me they had borrowed two boats for conveying them — 
but M. Yauclreuil does not see fit to grant them. 

" I do not know whether any one has written you that 
the directors made a new contract with me the past year, 
by which, in consideration of the care that I am to take 
of their interests at this post, preventing fraud and em- 
bezzlement on the part of the employees of the com- 
pany, and, as far as is in my power, hindering others 
from trading in this vicinity, they pledge themselves to 
pay me the sum of two thousand francs a year, and to 
furnish subsistence to myself and family during the time 
of its tenure. 

" Asking for myself only the continued honor of your 
protection, I am, with very profound respect, sir, 

"Your very humble, and 

"Very obedient servant, 

"LA MOTTE CADILLAC. 

"P. S. — M. de Tonti, who is at Quebec, informs me 
that M. Yaudreuil and M. Beauharnais have forbidden 
his writing to you at length concerning this post." 



CHAPTER VI. 

Letter from M. Cadillac to M. la Touche — Complains of the Jesuits that 
they do not occupy their Mission at Detroit — Danger of opposing 
them — The "Company of the Colony" make a new contract with M. 
Cadillac — His account of the agreement — M. Cadillac detects two of 
the commissioners in fraud and embezzlement, and reports them to 
the Directors — Descends to Montreal, and is arrested on charges pre- 
ferred by the Directors — Suit not decided till 1705 — M. Tonti com- 
mands in his absence. 

Accompanying M. la Motte's account of the condi- 
tion of the establishment at Detroit was the following 
letter, addressed to Count Pontchartrain's first clerk, 
M. la Touche. 

"August 31, 1703. 

" Monsieur : — I gave to the minister a very exact ac- 
count of all that concerns the fort at Detroit, and would 
have informed you likewise, if I had not feared to make 
a superfluous repetition, being well persuaded that he 
sends you all the information concerning the affairs of 
this colony. 

" You will see, by the accompanying letter, which I 
have the honor to write him, the state of this establish- 
ment, the obstacles that are brought against it, and the 
means I take to overcome them. 



134 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cadillac complains that the Jesuits clo not occupy their Mission at Detroit 

" It appears evident that the Rev. Father Jesuits have 
asked of the court the privilege of preserving their mis- 
sions at this post, and there were reasons for granting 
their request ; yet, although the savages are established 
in sufficient numbers to have at least two missionaries, 
they have not succeeded in obtaining one. 

" All things are arranged, as you will see by the copy 
of regulations that I send to M. de Pontchartrain, dated 
September 25th, 1702. 

" The envoys from the colony who went to France last 
year, have doubtless informed you of the measures which 
the directors of the Company of the Colony have taken 
to induce these Fathers to come and establish themselves 
in this place, offering to give them eight hundred francs 
a year each, besides the compensation they have from 
the king, who sends, at his own expense, the necessary 
provisions for their subsistence. M. le Chevalier de 
Callieres had also gained the consent of their Superior 
at Quebec (if they had one) and of myself; but all that 
amounts to nothing at all. Father Marest, to whom the 
company sent an express canoe, has found reasons to 
excuse himself from coming to the mission which they 
had designed for him. 

" You can see, by the councils held at this fort, and by 
the copies of the letters that I send to M. de Pontchar- 
train, what is the genius of this country ; and if the Rev. 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 135 

Letters of the Rev. Fathers— Danger of opposing them. 

Fathers attempt to recognize any other Superior than 
one of themselves, I will take care to preserve the origi- 
nals of any such papers, in case the Count should desire 
to see them. I showed the letters, which I send, to the 
governor-general last year, and he did not appear satis- 
fied with their conduct. It was on that account that he 
made the present arrangement, which has been signified 
to them, but they do not pay any attention to it, 

" Can any one believe that I would, without strong 
reasons, vex any of the Jesuits, or that I would take it 
into my head to attack this formidable society? I have 
not lived till now without knowing perfectly well how 
dangerous it is to cross their path. Is it not true that I 
have not imprudently nor inconsiderately attacked all 
the Jesuits in this country, but rather have been anima- 
ted with zeal for the service of the king ? I always had 
good ground for the differences that I had with them 
while I had the honor to command at Michilimackinac, 
on which all the distant posts then depended. The same 
is true since I have been at Detroit. I have decided to 
write all my reasons for my course, and, if they wish, 
they can give their own. They have never seemed to 
wish to have their course understood, that they might 
avoid a decision. 

" Was I not right so to arrange my plans as to permit 
all kinds of workmen to labor in the vineyard of our 



136 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Claims of the Jesuits — Thesis of all their Missionaries — Father Carheil. 

Lord ? The Jesuits will say that the soul of the savage 
is their own domain ; if so, they ought to cultivate it, 
and not leave "it a prey to rapacious wolves. "What pre- 
text can they have to excuse themselves from doing their 
duty at this post ? The service of God can be found here 
as well as elsewhere, and the service of the king agrees 
with it, because he wishes them to come. It is their 
duty to obey the commands of the governor-general. 
But this is the thesis of the missionaries of the society in 
this country : they say it is necessary that the orders of 
the king should be conformed to the will of God ; and 
they pretend to have the right to decide what is the true 
wish of the king. As to their knowledge by which they 
make this decision, they say they have the true will 
of God. 

" It is on this assumption that the Jesuits have clam- 
ored, and still continue to clamor, against the sale of 
brandy to the savages ; and they seem to have satisfied 
the Count on this subject. Here is a passage from the 
sermon of Father Carheil, of the 25th of March, 1697 : 
'There is,' said he, 'neither divine nor human power, 
which can permit the sale of this drink.' Hence you per- 
ceive that this Father passes boldly on all matters of state, 
and will not even submit to the decision of the Pope. 

" I do my best to make the Jesuits my friends, wishing 
truly to be theirs ; but, if I dare say it, all impiety apart, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 137 

Unforgiving spirit of the Jesuits — Probable reason for delaying their Decision. 

it would be better to speak against God than against 
them, because, on the one side, a person might receive 
His pardon, but on the other, the offense, even though 
doubtful, is never forgiven in this -world, and would not 
be in the other, if their credit were as good there as it is 
in this country. 

"I think, if the Jesuits have so little desire to assume 
the duties of missionaries at this post, it is because they 
do not like the proximity of the French establishment. 
They give many false reasons for neglecting this duty ; 
but, at least, if they do not wish to come to Detroit, why 
do they oppose other missionaries who desire to come and 
take possession? They delay making any decision, in 
the vain hope that the savages will return to their old 
haunts, panic-struck by the terrors which the Jesuits 
endeavor to instill into their minds. I am willing to 
stake my life that this will never happen ; they have not 
sufficient control over the minds of the savages to pro- 
duce this result. 

" Permit me, in closing this letter, to beg of you to 
impart to me the knowledge by which I may gain the 
friendship of the Eev. Father Jesuits. For myself, it 
would be better to walk in the way which dazzles the 
eyes of all the earth, and yield to the current toward 
which all men suffer themselves to be drawn. This 
would be easy for me, if I considered only my individual 



138 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

New contract between the " Company of the Colony" and M. Cadillac. 

interest ; but when the object is to have the king's inte- 
rest advanced, they will oppose every movement, saying 
they know better than I. In that case, what shall I do to 
remain in the path of their friendship ? This is what I 
have not yet been able to do, but perhaps you may 
make some suggestions that will enable me to do better 
in future. 

" I beg of you to grant me the honor of your recom- 
mendation to M. Pontchartrain, concerning the kind- 
nesses that I ask of him. You have been pleased to do 
me good in the past, for which you have my deepest 
gratitude ; I hope you will continue the same favor. 
I am, with very great respect, sir, 

" Your very humble, 

' ' Very obedient servant, 

"LA MOTTE CADILLAC. 
" Fort Pontchartrain, Aug. 31, 1703." 

The " Company of the Colony," becoming dissatisfied 
with the first contract which gave them the exclusive 
commerce of Detroit, subsequently entered into a new 
agreement with M. Cadillac. The substance of that 
contract is thus given by him to Count Pontchartrain : 

"I agreed with the directors, by the advice and con- 
sent of the governor-general and intendant, that I would 
take one-third of the commerce of this post, and the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 139 

Provisions of the Contract — Commissioners detected in Embezzlement. 

company should be released from all pecuniary respon- 
sibility toward the other officers. 

" Some envious persons obtaining knowledge of this 
agreement, reported to the directors that it was burden- 
some to the company. Accordingly another contract 
was made, by which the company agreed to pay me the 
sum of two thousand francs a year, and furnish the ne- 
cessary supplies for myself and family. It was also 
agreed that they should pay M. de Tonti the sum of one 
thousand three hundred and thirty-three francs per year. 

" In consideration of the payment of these sums, I 
pledged myself not to traffic with the savages, directly 
nor indirectly, and to hinder, as much as should be in 
my power, any other person from trading at that post ; 
also to prevent any frauds or embezzlements on the part 
of the employees of the company. The surplus funds 
of the company the directors left to my care and man- 
agement for their interest." 

This last agreement was made in 1702, and was con- 
tinued, to the entire satisfaction of all parties, until the 
close of 1703. 

In the early part of the year 1703, M. la Motte Ca- 
dillac discovered that M. Tonti and two of the commis- 
sioners had traded with the Indians, contrary to contract. 
He also detected these two commissioners, Arnaud and 
Nolan, in embezzling the furs of the company. Having 



14:0 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cadillac informs against them — Goes to Montreal — Arrested — Trial delayed. 

proved these embezzlements against them, M. de Ca- 
dillac reported the occurrence to the directors by the 
next convoy which went to Montreal, also informing the 
governor-general and intenclant of the circumstances. 

The accused commissioners were near relatives of 
Messrs. Lotbinieres and Delino, the principal directors 
of the company. In order to shield them, the directors 
sent M. Yincelot, another relative, to Detroit, to investi- 
gate the subject. It is very easy to infer what report 
would be made on his return. 

M. cle la Motte Cadillac having gone to Montreal 
early in the autumn of 1704, was arrested, by the or- 
ders of the governor-general and intendant, on various 
charges preferred against him by the directors of the 
company. The principal charge was, that he had trans- 
cended his duty as military commandant, and played the 
petty tyrant. The suit against him was not decided 
until June 15th, 1705. He was acquitted by the intend- 
ant, and immediately asked permission of the governor- 
general to return to Detroit, which, during his absence, 
had been under the command of M. de Tonti ; but, on 
some plausible pretext, his request was not granted. 

Impatient at the delay, and aware of the powerful 
combination against him, M. la Motte appealed to the 
colonial minister. By the next vessels he received 
orders to appear before Count Pontchartrain at Quebec. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 141 

M. la Forest appointed second in command at Detroit. 

In consequence of this new delay, M. la Motte asked the 
governor-general to send M. Boivrmont to command at 
Detroit. The request was granted, and M. Bourmont 
immediately proceeded to Detroit. 

On the 25th of September, 1705, M. la Forest was 
appointed second in command at Detroit, and the long- 
delayed permission was also given to M. de la Motte to 
return to his post ; but, preferring to have a full inves- 
tigation of his affairs before the highest tribunal, he 
obeyed the orders of Count Pontchartrain, and remained 
at Quebec. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Examination of M. Cadillac before Count Pontchartrain — Cadillac re- 
ceived with reproaches— His defense — Gives a minute account of the 
settlement of Detroit — Journey thither — Conduct of Father Vaillant — 
Danger of mutiny — Harmony restored — Arrival at Detroit — Popula- 
tion of the Indian villages in the vicinity in 1704 — Great number of 
beaver — Complains of the duplicity of the Jesuits in seeking the de- 
struction of Detroit — All arises from personal enmity — Account of the 
embezzlements of the two commissioners — Nineteen packs of furs found 
— Other proofs of their guilt — Cause of Cadillac' s arrest. 

Highly indignant at the supposed failure of all his 
plans in regard to the establishment of Detroit, Count 
Pontchartrain met Cadillac with bitter reproaches. He 
was, however, permitted to make his defense, and the 
conversation which ensued between them, was" soon after- 
ward committed to writing bj M. la Motte, accepted by 
the minister as correct, and is still preserved among the 
colonial archives in Paris. The reader will find the 
following translation more satisfactory than any more 
modern statement of facts. 

" Whence comes it," exclaimed the Count, when M. 
Cadillac was brought into his presence, " whence comes 
it that you have failed to establish Detroit ? I am in- 
formed that it is through your neglect that the project 
has not succeeded. Tou have sufficient genius to accom- 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 143 

Cadillac's defense before Count Pontchartrain. 

plish it, if you had wished. I will punish you for your 
indolence, and will teach you to give me a detail of 
plans which you have no desire to execute. 

To this, M. Cadillac indignantly replied : 

" Monseigneur, unjust reproaches do not seem to sat- 
isfy you ; you even add threats : these things do not in- 
timidate me, they only show that my enemies have be- 
lied me to your highness. I can assure you that I have 
done my utmost to make the enterprise successful, and 
have prosecuted my plans with all imaginable activity, 
but I have been obliged to yield to the torrent. If I 
may have the honor of repeating to you what I have 
already said in the assembly, I think you will justify my 
conduct." 

The complaints of M. Cadillac's accusers had indeed 
influenced the mind of the colonial minister ; but he was 
a just man, and, aware that M. Cadillac had a right 
to a patient hearing in his own defense, he acceded to 
the request, and question and answer elicited a state- 
ment of facts which, to the present generation, is so 
much history that otherwise would have been irrecover- 
ably lost. 

"Was it not in 1699," asked Count Pontchartrain, 
" that you first proposed to establish a trading-post on 
the strait, which forms the connection between Lakes 
Erie and Lake Huron ?" 



144 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Reception by the Jesuits at Quebec. 

La Motte. " It was, my lord. 

Count. " How were you received on your arrival in 
Canada ? 

La Motte. " Perfectly well. The Jesuits, having been 
advised by the first vessel, that you had resolved to es- 
tablish Detroit, came down to the quay to welcome me 
with many civilities, which I took good care to recipro- 
cate. As soon as they were assured of the confirmation 
of the report concerning the proposed establishment, 
they devoted themselves to the work of petitioning the 
governor-general to send Jesuits to Detroit to establish 
themselves as missionaries among the savages, to the 
exclusion of all other religious orders. Their request 
was immediately granted, and they appointed Father 
Yaillant. 

Count. " At what time did you leave Quebec to go to 
Detroit ? 

La Motte. " I left on the 8th of March, 1701, and ar- 
rived at Montreal on the 12th, where some changes were 
made in our arrangements, the Recollets having obtained 
permission to have one of their priests accompany me, 
and remain at Detroit in the capacity of chaplain to the 
troops, while the Jesuit went as missionary. This trans- 
gression against the Jesuits set them in commotion, and 
they sought to persuade themselves that I had caused 
the change ; and this circumstance was the commence- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 145 



Journey to Detroit — Eev. Father Vaillant. 



ment of their opposition to the establishment, which 
still continues. 

" On the 5th of June I left La Chine with fifty sol- 
diers and fifty Canadians, with M. de Tonti as captain, 
and Messrs. Dugue and Chacornacle as lieutenants. I 
had orders to go by the Grand river of the Outawas, 
notwithstanding the entreaties which I made against it. 
"We arrived at Detroit on the 24th of July, and I imme- 
diately commenced fortifying myself there ; causing the 
necessary buildings to be erected, and the soil to be 
broken up and prepared for sowing in autumn. 

Count. "I have heard that Father Yaillant, by his 
exhortations, contributed much to the advancement of 
this work. 

La Ifotte. " He employed himself so well, that if the 
soldiers and Canadians had been willing to believe him, 
they would have departed, two days after their arrival, 
to return to Montreal, upon the strength of the promise 
which this Father made them, that he would cause the 
intendant to pay their wages for a year, though they 
had only been employed six weeks. 

Count. "How did you discover his ill-will, and un- 
ravel this intrigue ? 

La Ifotte. "I perceived it by the discouragement 
which everybody manifested in regard to the estab- 
lishment, which caused me to sound one of the most 

10 



146 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 



Discovery of his Perfidy — Mutiny prevented. 



honest men privately, and he revealed to me, in good 
faith, the arguments which the Jesuit had employed to 
induce them to quit the post, and return with him. 

Count. " Did you not make known to this Father that 
you had discovered his perfidy ? 

La Ifotte. " With your permission, I will relate the 
circumstances. We were still encamped at the mouth of 
the Sable, when I called together the soldiers and Cana- 
dians : Father Yaillant was present ; he did not know 
my design, and was ignorant that I had discovered his. 
I asked the Canadians why they wished to return to 
Montreal ; begging them to tell me who could have in- 
spired them with sentiments so adverse to the king's in- 
terests. Then addressing myself to an officer, I requested 
him to tell me what he knew of it. Father Yaillant 
saw plainly by this proceeding that his plot was known, 
and that the moment was approaching when he would 
be overwhelmed with shame and confusion. He rose 
from his seat, placed himself in the shadow of my 
tent, from whence he took a bee-line for the woods, run- 
ning with all his might, while the soldiers and Cana- 
dians who saw him go, were almost convulsed with 
laughter. My tent prevented me from seeing him, and 
when I asked them the cause of their excessive laughter, 
one of them said, ' he did not know what dreadful pun- 
ishment I had threatened to inflict on Father Yaillant, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 147 

Confidence restored — Cadillac and Father Yaillant. 

that he should escape to the woods in such haste ; hut, 
judging from the speed with which he went, we should 
not probably see him again very soon.' I contented 
myself with explaining to these people the intentions of 
the king, and the advantages of his service ; after which 
they confessed, without hesitation, that their discourage- 
ment had arisen from the instigations of this Father. 
Afterward, I had reason to be better satisfied with them. 

Count. " But did you not afterward make known to 
him his error by reprimand, or in some other way which 
might be disagreeable to him ? 

La Motte. "No. I believed it expedient to keep 
silence. I paid him as many civilities as I would an 
archbishop, being satisfied with informing the governor- 
general of the affair, and rendering an account of it 
to you. 

Count. " I remember that you wrote me of it ; I was 
also otherwise informed, and his Superior had orders to 
send him to France, and give you another man, who 
would better enter into your plans. 

La Motte. " Your orders would have produced the 
deSired result, if they had been fully executed. How 
strangely that religious order dares to set aside its service 
to the king ! This Jesuit has been permitted still to re- 
main in Canada, more than ever opposed to me, and 
using every means in his power to instill his own hatred 



148 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Jesuits offended — Conspiracy discovered — Contract. 

into the minds of the society. Although your order 
was not fully carried out, the Jesuits were greatly of- 
fended by it; and it is not difficult to perceive that they 
have sworn to effect my ruin in some way or other. 

Count. "It appears, however, that M. de Callieres 
wrote an agreement, containing many articles, which 
would enable you to live in perfect harmony with the 
Jesuits ; and I have been informed that all the difficul- 
ties which might at any time occur, would speedily be 
removed, if the contract were fulfilled on both sides. 

La Motte. "It is time that this agreement might have 
put an end to all disputes between us, but the fox eats 
the hen sooner or later. The bad conduct of Father 
Yaillant having caused the king to order hiin to return 
to France, and I, on my part, having discovered a con- 
spiracy against me, entered' into by the governor-general, 
the intenclant, and the Superior of the Jesuits — my plans 
having been betrayed to them by M. de Tonti, captain 
of the troops, who was given to aid me — the Superior 
was under the necessity of subscribing to the agree- 
ment with a view of continuing the peace until the 
departure of the vessels. He then intended to csffry 
out his plans for the immediate destruction of the post at 
Detroit. 

Count. : 'I see plainly that the orders of the king lose 
their force as soon as they have passed the Grand Bank ; 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 119 

Assumed authority of the Jesuits— Company of the Colony. 

and the governor-general and intendant make others ac- 
cording to their own ideas. 

La Matte. " Yet even they do not give such orders as 
they wish ; they are obliged to yield to the authority i >1 
the Jesuits. It is true that in conforming to the will of 
the Jesuits, by a blind acquiescence in all they require, 
both parties fish in the same fishery, while the people 
suffer. Yet the sufferers are forced to applaud what in 
their hearts they condemn. 

Count. " It was not possible to avoid giving the com- 
merce of Detroit to the Company of the Colony ; they 
promised to use every effort to make the establishment 
succeed. 

La Motte. "If you had known them as I do, you 
would have hoped nothing from them. That company 
is more knavish and chimerical than any ever organ- 
ized. I would as soon see Harlequin emperor in the 
moon. It is they who have entirely upset my plans, by 
unitedly and secretly opposing your intentions; being 
slily aided by the Jesuits in the country. 

Count. " At what time did you learn that the king- 
had granted to this company the commerce of that 
place ? 

La Motte. " I received the first notice of it on the 18th 
day of July, 1702. I was desired by a letter, which I 
received with some relics from Montreal and Quebec, to 



150 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Two thousand savages at Detroit — No expense to the King 



come to an understanding with the company concerning 
the interests of the establishment. 

Count. " I wrote to the company that the king desired 
them to make a handsome addition to your salary, it 
being unreasonable that you should sustain that estab- 
lishment at your own expense, after being deprived of 
its commerce, which had hitherto been your only means 
of indemnification. Are there many savages at De- 
troit ? 

La Motte. " The villages in the immediate vicinity of 
the fort contain more than two thousand souls. We 
number four hundred good men, bearing arms. 

Count. " How have you induced these people to leave 
their former villages, their fields, and their grain ? It 
must have been at great cost to the king. I judge so by 
the immense expense incurred for the savages who settle 
at Montreal and Quebec. They are allowed soldiers' 
rations, even to the little children ; besides the frequent 
presents they receive. 

La Motte. "I hardly know how I have managed, but 
I have not expended a sous. The governor-general and 
intendant have not been willing to allow me the value 
of a pistole to use for presents ; on the contrary, they 
and the Jesuits have exhausted all their skill in vain 
attempts to prevent the savages from coming to settle 
there. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 151 

Misrepresentations — Imputed to Jesuitical artifice. 

Count. " If these hinderances were removed, it appears 
that the better part of the savages would be united at 
that place ? 

La Mbtte. " Without doubt, they all know that the 
climate is good, and the soil productive. 

Count. "You say the country is good, and produces 
abundantly ; but I have been informed, repeatedly, that 
the land is good for nothing, producing very little grain ; 
that there is scarcely any game or fish, consequently, 
but a small settlement could ever be sustained there. 
Such accounts have induced me to make efforts to obtain 
all possible information before urging forward this es- 
tablishment. 

La Mbtte. " When a man wishes to kill his dog, he 
says he is mad. This report of the country is merely an 
artifice of the Jesuits, who have succeeded in attaching 
the governor-general and intendant to their party. The 
rest of the inhabitants are of no account with them ; in- 
deed, the people always say Amen, to all, and for all, 
that the society propose in regard to the country. 

" Sir, you might have learned the real state of the 
establishment, and the truth in regard to the country, 
by secretly sending an honest man to investigate. If 
he were known as being sent out by you to report 
concerning the state of affairs, it would be necessary 
that he be well supplied with good preservatives to 



152 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Detroit — Soil — Grain — Population — Game. 

prevent his being affected by the pestilential air of the 
country. On his return, he would have assured you, 
as I do now, that in all New France there is no bet- 
ter land; finer grain cannot be found, nor in greater 
quantity. In regard to the number of the inhabitants, 
there are enough to the right and left of the fort, and 
extending into the depth of the land, to settle all 
Persia. 

"They must have been very bold and rash to dare 
tell you such falsehoods, but it all shows how the plow 
is held in that country. 

" As for game, there are no beaver that equal those 
obtained there, and it cannot be denied that in three 
years, there have been more than thirty thousand of 
them killed. There is no habitable land that furnishes 
more game than Detroit. 

Count. " I am convinced of the truth of your state- 
ment. Enlighten me also concerning the offense which 
this establishment gives to the Iroquois. 

La Mbtte. " That is merely a ruse of the enemies of 
the post. Being informed that the Count wishes peace 
to exist between the French and the Iroquois, in order 
to produce a vascillation concerning the augmentation of 
the forces at Detroit, they have industriously circulated 
a report that the Iroquois are dissatisfied with it. So 
far from this being true, there are now at Detroit thirty 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 153 

Iroquois at Detroit— Council at Quebec. 

families of that nation, who have settled there. So long 
as Detroit is fortified by the French and their allies, the 
Iroquois will never make war against it. The Jesuits 
know this well, though they intimate otherwise, and to 
accomplish their designs they would not hesitate to in- 
stigate our savages to attack the Iroquois, who them- 
selves desire peace. 

Count. " Nevertheless, at the council which was held 
at Quebec by order of the kiug, that all doubtful points 
in regard to this establishment might be discussed and 
settled, all were of the opinion, that the disaffection of 
the Iroquois was the greatest obstacle to sustaining the 
post at Detroit. Why did you not then make known 
your opinion, and set aside the difficulty 1 

La Motte. " I had no knowledge of such a council 
being held, therefore I was not able to refute what was 
said. The letter which you did me the honor to write 
under date of June 20th, 1703, was not delivered to me 
till July, 1704. I then called together all the people in 
Detroit who were present at the council at Quebec, and 
they signed a statement that the governor-general guard- 
ed the place of meeting, and allowed no one to depart 
till he had signed against this post. 

" All the French who are settled at Detroit, asked per- 
mission of me to settle there, from their own personal 
knowledge of the goodness of the soil, as you saw T by 



154 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 



Count convinced of Intrigue — Governor : gencral and Intendant. 

the affidavits which I took the liberty to send you under 
date of June 14th, of this year. 

Count. "I can no longer doubt that every thing in 
that country is managed by intrigue and faction. Had 
you been called to that council, as I wished and ordered, 
this affair might have terminated differently. The or- 
ders of the king seem to become greatly weakened be- 
yond the Grand Bank — I will provide against it. It 
surprises me that the governor-general and intendant 
have not decidedly declared themselves either for the 
preservation or the destruction of Detroit. Have they 
not some private reason for acting thus ? 

La Motte. " The governor-general and intendant have 
wisely held themselves in a state of apparent neutrality. 
They have satisfied themselves with making the people 
speak, who were so managed as to sign the death-war- 
rant of this establishment, while the chief officers did 
nothing directly, the better to gild the pill for you. 

Count. " What you say may be true, but you should 
have warned me sooner. Perhaps they may also have 
other reasons for not loudly declaring themselves against 
that post. 

La Motte. " JSTo doubt they have displayed so much 
discretion only from fear that, in causing this establish- 
ment to fail by authority, the colony might also be over- 
thrown. Then, if it should happen that our savages 



ft 

EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 155 



Neutrality of Government Officers— Letters intercepted. 

should go to the English, or rather, if the latter should 
come to establish themselves at Detroit, the Court would 
have just reason to reproach them for it. Therefore, 
they have kept silent, and apparently neutral, that in 
case of any untoward event, they might throw the blame 
upon the council, which was convened at Quebec by 
order of the king and colonial minister. My own opin- 
ion is, that the savages will not leave Detroit, and I have 
thought that the Jesuits, in despair of success, perhaps 
in concert with the governor-general and intendant, may 
attempt to instigate our allies to revive the war against 
the Iroquois, to induce you to decide upon the final aban- 
donment of Detroit. This is merely a conjecture of my 
own ; I may be mistaken. 

Count. " It is shameful that you were not present at 
that council, which I had ordered for the sole purpose 
of informing myself fully concerning that post. I am no 
better satisfied that my letter to you was so long de- 
layed. 

La Motte. " Apropos to the letter, they have inter- 
cepted and opened that which I had the honor to write 
you last year, and taken copies of it, which have become 
public. This shows how little respect they have in that 
country for His Majesty's minister ; it is also a violation 
of the rights of men, never tolerated except by enemies 
in time of war. 



156 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Letters copied — Confidential plans made known. 



Count. " What do you say ! — is it really true that 
there are persons bold enough to open letters addressed 
to me ? Do they not know that letters are sacred, and 
that such curiosity is a crime, and an outrageous in- 
sult to a minister of the State ? No person is permitted 
to open a letter sent me by a commanding officer, with- 
out first being requested to do so. 

La Motte. "No one could be ignorant of this; but 
it is entirely beyond doubt that my letters have been 
opened, and that copies of them have been taken. I do 
not even know whether the originals have ever been sent 
you. The copies are exactly the tenor of my letters ; by 
this means, all my business plans have become w T ell 
known. 

Count. "It is not difficult to understand, that this 
would enable your personal enemies, and those opposed 
to the establishment, to use all their influence against you. 
I recollect that in your letters, you informed me of their 
real character, and their reasons, public and private, for 
opposing your plans. Their opposition seems to arise 
from motives of individual interest, and the hatred they 
bear you ; and this hatred seems to have increased in 
proportion to your success. I fear that, although the 
Iroquois hold in respect the fortifications at Detroit, these 
designing men will induce other tribes than those settled 
at Fort Pontchartrain, to make war upon the Iroquois, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 157 

Origin of difficulty between Cadillac and the Company. 

and thus bring about the destruction of that post, which, 
according to the best of my knowledge, is not well gar- 
risoned. 

La Jfotte. " No doubt there is danger to be appre- 
hended in that direction ; and I thank you for the justice 
you are disposed to do me, in thus penetrating the de- 
signs of my enemies. 

Count. "I wish you to tell me, without any disguise, 
whether the complaints of the directors are true. Have 
you contravened the orders of the king, and engaged in 
trade at Detroit ; or have you been guilty of those em- 
bezzlements from the company, of which you are ac- 
cused ? If you are guilty, acknowledge it ; if innocent, 
justify yourself, and you shall suffer no injury for having 
done your duty and executed my plans. 

La Motte. " If I were guilty of any of these offenses 
you have mentioned, I should deserve condign punish- 
ment ; but I can assure yon, sir, I am as innocent of all 
these accusations as the angels are of sin. The origin of 
all my difficulties with the company is, that I have con- 
victed M. de Tonti and two commissioners of the com- 
pany, of having traded with the savages at Detroit, for 
their own benefit, although they had bound themselves 
by contract to abstain from all such traffic. 

Count. "Is there proof of the existence of such a 
contract ? 



158 EAKLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Embezzlements of the Commissioners — Seizure of Furs. 



La Motte. "Proof incontestable has been obtained 
to that effect, which they have not been able to 
deny. 

Count. "You have doubtless seized the furs which 
these commissioners have attempted to smuggle. 

La Motte. " That has indeed been clone ; but what 
makes the crime more enormous, is, that the furs have 
been taken from the very storehouse of the company, or 
rather the commissioners have sold the goods of the 
company to the savages, and appropriated the product 
to themselves. 

Count. " "Where did you find the packs of furs which 
you speak of having seized ? 

La Motte. " I found nineteen packs of a prime article, 
which had been concealed by two of the commissioners 
in a hut in a Huron village. 

Count. " Have these commissioners confessed that 
these nineteen packs belong to them, and resulted from 
their trade ? 

La Motte. "They have not only confessed the fact to 
me, but they signed a deposition to that effect, M'hich is 
their own condemnation. 

Count. " Does it appear that these furs are the profits 
of their own goods fraudulently conveyed, or of the 
gobds of the company ? 

La Motte. " Their statements differ very much ; but 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 159 

Furs found bearing the mark of M. Arnaud. 

it appears evident that the goods were stolen from the 
storehouse of the company. 

Count. " Is that the only seizure yon have made ? 

La Motte. "There are also four pacts of beaver and 
other furs, which I seized even in the storehouse of the 
company, bearing the mark of M. Arnaud, principal 
commissioner. 

Count. " How did you discover the theft of these four 
packs in the storehouse ? 

La Motte. " There were two beaver-skins found with 
the mark of the company, and the number 229 upon 
them. They had served as an envelope for forty pre- 
pared roebuck-skins. The two beavers were not yet 
spoiled, although they had been thrown into a cellar, full 
of water, belonging to an unoccupied house. Finding 
them in such a place made me suppose that the store- 
house had been robbed ; accordingly, I went to make 
an examination, and found these four packs, which M. 
Arnaud had concealed. No doubt he had also stolen 
No. 229, and many others. 

Count. " Do you not suppose that these commissioners 
have been guilty of other embezzlements, though these 
are enough to cause them to be hung ? 

La Motte. " I know they have stolen from the com- 
pany, or defrauded them of about one hundred and 
eighteen packs of furs. 



160 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Value of the Furs— Cadillac informs against the Commissioners. 

Count. "What! one hundred and eighteen packs — ■ 
that is a great number. What would be the probable 
value of that quantity of furs ? 

La Motte. " According to my estimate, at the current 
price, the average value of each pack would be at least 
forty crowns. Hence the loss to the company is about 
fourteen thousand francs. 

Count. " No doubt you have given information of this 
fraud to the proper authorities, that the evil might be 
remedied, and the two commissioners, Arnaud and No- 
lan, severely punished. 

La Motte. " I have only too faithfully performed that 
duty ; it would have been better for me if I had re- 
membered the proverb, ' Every one must live, thieves as 
well as others.' 

" I wrote a statement of the affair to M. Callieres, but 
he died before my letter reached Montreal ; consequent- 
ly it was delivered to M. Yaudreuil, commander-in- 
chief. At the same time I also sent a detailed account 
to M. Lotbinieres, one of the directors. In my letter, I 
begged him to send me his orders concerning the affair, 
before the departure of the convoy from Fort Pontchar- 
train for Montreal ; informing him that if he and the 
commissioners could settle the matter between them, I 
was satisfied, provided the}* shielded me from all blame. 

Count. " But why is it that you did not inform all the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 161 

Orders of M. Yaudreuil — Censured by the Count. 

directors instead of writing only to the governor-general 
and M. Lotbinieres ? 

La Motte. "I thought best to do so for two reasons. 
An officer being engaged in this bad business, it seemed 
proper to notify the governor-general only, as a mark 
of deference to him ; and I wrote to H. Lotbinieres, be- 
cause M. Arnaud, who was the author of all this mis- 
chief, is his son-in-law. 

Cowit. " I have seen no reason to blame your conduct 
until now ; but, as M. de Callieres was dead, and M. de 
Yaudreuil, the commander-general, received your letter, 
doubtless he sent his orders informing you what course 
to pursue. 

La Motte. " He wrote me not to precipitate matters, 
as he wished first to see the intendant, who was at 
Quebec. 

Count. " M. Yaudreuil was wrong, for I noticed that 
you particularly requested an answer before the de- 
parture of the convoy from Fort Pontchartrain ; but by 
this reply you had no guarantee that you would be ex- 
culpated by the directors. What course did you pur- 
sue in this dilemma? 

La Motte. " I was indeed very much embarrassed by 

the reception of such an order. I wished to obey it, yet 

there were many considerations against it. First, if I 

deferred notifying the directors of the nefarious conduct 

11 



163 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Accusation against the Commissioners. 

of their commissioners, by the convoy which was to be 
conducted by Nolan himself, they could not be informed 
of it, and obviate the difficulty, till ten months there- 
after, which would have been so long a delay that it 
might have proved a serious injury to the company. 
Secondly, the wages of the commissioners being once 
paid to them, the company would not be able to obtain 
any compensation for their losses, as both of the com- 
missioners were insolvent merchants. This would have 
given the directors just cause of complaint against me, 
because the contract declares that the commissioners 
shall lose their wages if they are detected in any pre- 
meditated fault. And, thirdly, M. de Yaudreuil being 
then only commandant, his order was not sufficient 
to release me from my obligations to the directors, 
who might have sued me for a breach of contract. I 
accordingly sent an accusation against the commission- 
ers to all the directors, accompanied with vouchers. It 
would have been better for my own interests, if I had 
allowed them to pillage the storehouse of the company, 
without saying a word ; for, doubtless, the directors kept 
their relatives there for this very purpose. 

"M. de Lotbinieres replied to my letter, regretting 
the fault of his son-in-law, Arnaud, but desired me to 
pardon him, and he would agree to settle all things with 
M. Delino, in regard to Nolan, his brother-in-law, without 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 163 

Letters of Messrs. Lotbinieres and Monseignat. 

any one knowing it. M. de Monseignat, also a brother- 
in-law of Arnaud, wrote me in the same style, but I did 
not receive their letters until some time after the convoy, 
by which I had sent an account of the seizure, had left 
Detroit." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

M. Cadillac's defense continued — Count Pontchartrain investigates the 
conduct of Cadillac's accusers — Questions Cadillac concerning the price 
and sale of goods — Kequires a minute account of all the circumstances 
which caused the difficulty between him and the "Company of the 
Colony" — Cadillac details facts, and gives explanations and argu- 
ments — Conduct of M. Denoyer — His imprisonment by Cadillac — M. 
Vincelot sent to Detroit — His character. 

Count. " Explain to me who are the two commission- 
ers, Arnaud and Nolan. 

La Mbtte. " They are two merchants, who conducted 
their business so badly, that they became overwhelmed 
with debts. M. Nolan is brother-in-law of Messrs. De- 
lino and Lotbinieres. M. Lotbinieres is the father-in-law 
of M. Arnaud, and uncle of M. Yaudreuil, the governor- 
general. M. Monseignat is also brother-in-law of M. 
Arnaud. Messrs. Lotbinieres and Delino are directors, 
and bosom friends. The first has the full protection of 
his nephew, the governor-general, and the second is 
equally the favorite of the intendant, though not related 
to him. This, at least, is public opinion. 

Count. " I see that you have been unfortunately situ- 
ated, especially in your official station ; but I am much 
deceived if these persons do not pay dearly for their 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 165 



Cadillac accused of selling goods under price. 



rashness. Let us investigate farther. Who are your 
accusers ; and of what do they complain ? 

La Motte. " The directors of the company preferred 
the complaint; and the very commissioners whom I 
have convicted of fraud and embezzlement, are their 
principal witnesses. 

Count. "Did the commissioners accuse you to the 
governor-general and directors of any wrong-doing be- 
fore you detected them in their embezzlements ? 

La Motte. " None at all. It was ten months after I sent 
the directors an account of that procedure, signed by 
themselves, before a complaint was preferred against me. 

Count. "That being the case, their testimony is not 
admissible, and ought at once to be rejected; but I 
would like to know of what the directors accuse you. 

La Motte. " The first accusation is, that I have com- 
pelled their commissioners to sell goods to the savages 
under price, consequently at a loss, and to the injury of 
the company. 

Count. " Have you ever done this intentionally ? 

La Motte. "The accusation is the greatest falsehood 
in the world, for, in 1702, the directors, far from com- 
plaining of me concerning the interests of the company, 
were perfectly satisfied. I can prove this by their 
own writings; such proof it is impossible for them to 
deny. It is also true, that they have paid me my salary 



166 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Directors satisfied till close of 170&. 

to the end of the year 1703, which shows that they were 
satisfied. The whole affair is a trick of Messrs. Lot- 
binieres and Delino, who govern the other three direc- 
tors. I have convicted their near relatives of fraud, and 
now they seek to screen these friends, by destroying my 
reputation for uprightness. 

Count. " That, I call sport unto the death ; but it is 
bringing their friends out of difficulty in a most shameful 
way. Their injustice shall be punished as it deserves, if 
you succeed in proving what you have asserted. You 
say that the directors appeared satisfied with your course 
until the close of 1703 ; did you not use coercion toward 
the commissioners in 1701-, and cause them to sell goods 
at low prices? If so, confess it frankly, and give your 
reasons ; no doubt they were sufficient to justify you. 

La Motfe. " If I had done so, I could easily confess it 
without running any risk, having for a guarantee the 
order of the governor-general, signed also by the inten- 
dant, and even the directors. These are the very words : 
' The commandant will leave to the commissioners of the 
company the liberty to traffic for furs, observing only 
that this is done according to the orders of M. de Cal- 
lieres. He will also prevent the sale of goods at higher 
prices than those decided upon by the principal commis- 
sioners of the company.' This order was in reply to a 
paragraph in a long memorial presented to Messrs. Vau- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 167 

Orders of Governor-general and Intendant. 

dreuil and Beauharnais. The following is the substance 
of the orders returned : ' The directors consider it ad- 
visable that the commissioners confer with the comman- 
dant on all business of importance to the interests of the 
company ; but they think the principal commissioner 
ought to decide in regard to whatever concerns the com- 
merce of the company, according to the orders which he 
may receive from the directors, or which he may find 
most advantageous ; always excepting those specific cases 
in which the commandant has a right to require obedi- 
ence to his orders.' 

Count. " These orders of the governor-general and in- 
tendant were judicious ; otherwise, no doubt the com- 
missioners would have sold goods to the savages at an 
exorbitant price, without troubling themselves about 
the removal of the savages from our interests to the 
English. Have you caused the sale of goods to be con- 
tinued at the same prices as those directed by M. de 
Callieres, when you commenced the settlement at De- 
troit ? 

La Motte. " No. The orders of M. de Callieres were, 
to sell to the savages at Fort Frontenac at twenty-five 
per cent., and to those at Detroit at fifty per cent. He 
did this with a design. On the ratification of a general 
peace between the French and their allies, and the Iro- 
quois, our savages would, at once, think of the commerce, 



168 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Extract of letter from M. Vaudreuil. 

and to retain them still in our interest, it would "be policy 
to give them goods at reasonable prices. Messrs. Vau- 
dreuil and Beauhamais, from the orders they have given, 
seem to be of the same opinion. Even the company, in 
writing to their commissioners, acknowledge that they 
cannot disapprove of the course which I have sought to 
have them pursue. 

" The last letter of M. de Vaudreuil, dated April 24th, 
1704, contains these words : ' Although I directed you, 
sir, to allow M. Denoyer to execute the orders which he 
had recently received from the directors, I always sup- 
posed that, in consequence of the contract, the service of 
the king would not be affected by them, I will now say 
to you, sir, that in some circumstances it would not be 
bad policy to sell goods even at the old rates. Endeavor 
to manage as well as possible for the interests of the 
company.' 

Count. " With the orders that you have received, to- 
gether with the letters of the directors, you certainly 
cannot be accused of using violence, even if you have 
caused these orders to be obeyed to the letter. 

La Motte. " Perhaps you will rather think me repre- 
hensible for allowing the commissioners to add so much 
to the wealth of the company. Instead of selling their 
goods according to the orders of M. de Callieres, con- 
firmed by those of M. de Vaudreuil, at the rate of fifty 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 169 

Prices of goods— Cadillac censured. 

per cent., the powder of the company has been sold at 
four hundred per cent. ; balls, at six hundred per cent. ; 
tobacco, at three hundred ; vermilion, glass beads, cut- 
lery, iron-ware, and old iron, at two hundred ; no kind 
of goods has been sold at less than one hundred per cent., 
the whole tariff of prices being regulated by the price of 
furs at Quebec, which the directors send to me as well 
as to the commissioners. 

Count. " You surprise me ! I cannot help blaming 
you for allowing the commissioners to sell their goods to 
our savages at such exorbitant prices; especially at a 
time when we need to conciliate them, on account of our 
war with the English. I fear this conduct of the com- 
pany will lead the savages to commit some act of re- 
venge against the colony. 

La Mottc. " You ought rather to blame the governor- 
general and intendant, who, forgetful of their own orders, 
have done much more for the company than they could 
expect me to do in such a troublesome juncture, hav- 
ing allowed the commissioners to continue to vex me by 
such prices, even when they knew that the English had 
sent necklaces to the savages at Fort Pontchartrain, with 
a tariff of their prices, in which they offered to sell goods 
to our savages two-thirds less than our commissioners 
sell them. 

Count " The company having sold their goods at such 



170 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Losses of the Company — Bad management. 

exorbitant prices, have, no doubt, derived great profits 
from the commerce of that post. 

La Jfotte. " On the contrary, they have lost. The 
directors have conducted the business of the company 
very badly, not knowing how to manage the commerce 
of that country. They have also incurred incredible ex- 
penses in order to favor their relatives and friends, and 
gain credit to themselves. Then, the price of certain 
furs has diminished every year, though this is an event 
attendant on all trade, and one that cannot be foreseen 
and avoided. And, finally, the commissioners, relatives 
of the directors, and protected by them, have levied 
largely on the supplies of the storehouse. Who knows 
how much has been plundered ? 

" Messrs. Lotbinieres and Delino have instituted pro- 
ceedings against me, to enable them to impeach my 
testimony against them and their relatives. They 
are pretending to investigate the affair concerning 
their commissioners, and have chosen a deputy to 
go to Detroit, and collect testimony against them, or, 
rather, against me ; their design being to extricate them- 
selves and their relatives from this difficulty, by im- 
posing on me atrocious calumnies which they cannot 
prove. 

Count. " Whom have they sent to Detroit to make this 
investigation ? 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 171 

M. Vincelot sent to Detroit. 

La Motte. "His name is Yincelot. He was proposed, 
by the directors, and deputed by the intendant. He 
sprang from a degraded race, and is a man of no ability. 
He is cousin-gerinan to M. Pinard, one of the directors, 
and, consequently, my adversary. This fact nullifies the 
procedure, making it illegal. 

Count " No doubt your detection of those embezzle- 
ments is indeed the true cause of the procedure, and M. 
de Yaudreuil, finding himself involved in the affair, is 
quite willing it should turn thus ; but, if you have done 
your duty as a good officer and an honest man, you must 
not suffer for your faithfulness. Have you any writing 
to show that you have not used violence toward the com- 
missioners ? I have thoughts of prosecuting both the 
directors and commissioners. 

La Motte. " I have an agreement, made with the com- 
missioners, signed by them, by the chaplain of the fort, 
by M. de Tonti, and myself, which proves conclusively 
that I have used no violence. 

Count. " What other accusations do they bring % 

La Motte. " They accuse me of a capital crime. They 
say I have used abusive words toward their commission- 
ers, because they did not render me certain acts of re- 
spect, which I pretended were my due. 

Count. " I do not understand that ; could the directors 
doubt that their commissioners owed you the highest re- 



172 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Farther charges — Denoyer and Radisson. 

spect in a place where you are commandant, by the 
authority of the king ? 

La Motte. " They doubt it so much, that they have 
preferred this charge. It is true that I have sometimes 
reproved their commissioners, but it has been when I 
have surprised them in flagrant offenses ; as when I con- 
victed them of embezzlement. 

" The third charge is, that, M. Denoyer having been 
sent to fill the place of their principal commissioner, 
on his arrival at Fort Pontchartrain, I detained him 
more than two hours in my room, while I read and 
declaimed against the letters which he had brought from 
the directors, in order that M. Eadisson, the former prin- 
cipal commissioner, might have time to conceal the 
papers which he and I did not wish to have seen. ' By 
this means,' they say, ' the directors have not been able 
to obtain the necessary information concerning the state 
of their affaire.' 

"The facts are simply these : M. Denoyer, having de- 
livered to me the letters which the governor-general, in- 
tendant, directors, and private individuals had written, 
I invited him to take breakfast, while I was occupied in 
their perusal, and he accepted the invitation. The let- 
ters were long — that of the directors covering fourteen 
pages — and I was engaged more than half an horn* in 
reading; them. As soon as I had finished, I assured this 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 173 

Interview with M. Denoyer — Concealed Papers. 

new commissioner of all the protection he might need in 
the discharge of his duties. I also informed him, that it 
would be proper for him to execute the orders with 
which he was charged, as quietly as possible, on account 
of the savages. I told him they had never yet seen seals 
set upon coffers, closets, and caskets, nor even upon the 
doors of the storehouse, nor had they ever seen a guard 
placed there. They would consider such things an in- 
fringement of the liberty which is so precious among 
these nations. I then dismissed M. Denoyer to execute 
his orders. He hastened to the house of M. Raclisson, 
whom he found conversing with Messrs. Chatellerault and 
Demeule, two other commissioners who had come in the 
same boat with M. Denoyer, and who were relatives 
of Messrs. Delino and Lotbinieres. 

Count. " Then it is not true that M. Radisson had con- 
cealed any papers ? 

La Motte. "I have no knowledge of his doing so. 
M. Radisson maintains that it is all an imposition of M. 
Denoyer. It is true that neither he nor the directors 
have been able to prove it. But even if M. Raclisson 
had concealed any papers, what right have the directors 
to accuse me of connivance with this commissioner ? 

" The fourth accusation is, that, the directors having 
accused M. Radisson of misconduct in regard to the in- 
terests of the company, I have become his protector, 



174 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cadillac, Eadisson, and the Savages. 

causing the savages to demand the dismissal of M. De- 
noyer, and the reinstatement of M. Eadisson. They also 
say that I have instructed the savages to ask that my 
wife, and the wife of M. Radisson, be permitted to re- 
main at Detroit, hoping, by this means, to secure my 
own and M. Radisson's return to that post. What sem- 
blance of truth can they present for the assertion that I 
have influenced the savages to demand the dismissal of 
M. Denoyer in favor of M. Radisson, when the directors 
acknowledge that I am not satisfied with the latter? It 
is certain that M. Denoyer, whom I had only known 
three days, during which he had enjoyed my hospitality, 
could not in that time have done or said any thing to 
seriously displease me. It is an absurd subterfuge to say 
that the savages demanded his dismissal so soon after 
his arrival. Equally ridiculous is the assertion of the 
directors, that I influenced the savages to ask that my 
wife, and the wife of M. Radisson, might remain at the 
fort, to secure our return. There might be some degree 
of probability in such an assertion, if I had received any 
orders from the governor-general, or the Count, to leave 
the post ; or even if I had been ordered to descend to 
Quebec or Montreal, to render an account of my conduct. 
On the contrary, when I asked permission to go to Mon- 
treal, on my own business, M. Vaudreuil granted my 
request, at the same time expressing his approbation of 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 175 

Testimony of Savages not admissible. 

my conduct. My arrest, soon after my arrival, was en- 
tirely unexpected to me. 

Count. "I should judge, from your account of the 
affair, that the directors, failing to find other proof suf- 
ficient to condemn you, now seek it among the pagan 
savages. I "believe such testimony has never been re- 
ceived in a court of justice. 

La Motte. " How could a judge allow the testimony 
of a people who have neither faith nor law ; who will 
testify to any thing, provided they are paid for it ; and 
will unsay the same thing in half an hour, if, for the 
service, they can be baptized in a drink of brandy ? 

Count. " Is that all the directors have to say in ref- 
erence to the savages ? 

La Motte. " No. They assert that I have influenced 
the savages to object to the removal of the furs from 
the fort, until the storehouse was filled with merchan- 
dise, and all the French had the liberty to traffic with 
them. The directors say my object was to compel the 
company to make large imports of merchandise to 
that post, of which I intended to make myself master, 
as usual. 

Count. " Did the savages really make any such de- 
mand, and for what reason ? 

La Motte. " Soon after the arrival of M. Denoyer, and 
the two commissioners who came with him, they mali- 



176 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Goods of the Company appropriated. 

ciously made the savages understand that they came to 
send away the furs, and did not intend to bring any 
more merchandise. This offended the savages, who had 
always been promised the rights of an extensive com- 
merce, by the establishment of Detroit. In this course 
of conduct, no doubt the commissioners obeyed the secret 
orders they had received from those under whose author- 
ity they were sent out. 

Count. " But what do the directors mean when they 
assert that your object has been to cause them to make 
large importations to that post, in order that you might 
become master of them, as usual ? 

La Motte. " Who can divine what they mean ? If I 
had appropriated their goods to myself, or wasted them, 
these charges would be well founded ; but even they do 
not accuse me of this. What difference would it make 
to me whether the company made large or small impor- 
tations, since I had no interest in them? On the con- 
trary, if I were trading on my own responsibility, as 
they have dared to assert, it would have been better for 
me that they should send only a few goods, as it would 
enable me to sell mine (if I had any) more advantage- 
ously and easily. 

Count. " Is there any really substantial article in the 
accusations of the directors ? 

La Motte. "They exclaim loudly against my pre- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 177 

Arrest and imprisonment of M. Denoyer. 

sumption in imprisoning M. Denoyer, their principal 
commissioner, who was sent to succeed M. Radisson. 
They recalled M. Radisson because I accused him of 
misconduct. Yet the directors say this accusation was 
made by me with his consent, to cover our mutual em- 
bezzlements. "Would M. Radisson consent that I should 
prefer an accusation against him, that would revoke his 
office, which was worth to him eighteen hundred francs 
a year besides his expenses ; thus involving him in the 
loss of his wages, a sullied reputation, and the difficulties 
and expenses of a lawsuit? I leave it to the judgment 
of infants. 

Coimt. " It appears as you say ; but let me understand 
about the imprisonment of M. Denoyer. First, let me 
inquire if you were forbidden to imprison, or if you had 
the power to inflict this punishment upon the officers and 
others at your post ? 

La Motte. " My powers were very ample. They gave 
me authority to punish, according to the circumstances, 
by reprimand, arrest, imprisonment, suspension, or, in 
case of a clear, positive disobedience to orders, to rim 
my sword through the body of the offender. This extent 
of power has been given me on account of the great dis- 
tance of that post from the seat of government, and it 
has enabled me to immediately suppress all seditions and 

factions. 

12 



178 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Cause of the Arrest — Insubordination. 

Count. " Now tell me why you were obliged to im- 
prison M. Denoyer, the principal commissioner ? 

La Motte. "A soldier of the garrison having been 
killed by some of our enemies, our savages reported 
that they had found the stake to which he was tied. A 
party of one hundred savages of the different nations 
living around the fort, was immediately formed to pur- 
sue the enemy, and avenge the death of the soldier. 
They came to me, and demanded seven or eight French- 
men to go with them. I ordered M. de Tonti to assem- 
ble the temporary servants of the company, and call for 
volunteers. From them he was to select eight good 
men, and give them food and ammunition from the 
storehouse of the company, as had been customary. M. 
Denoyer pretended that I could not take any detach- 
ment from the servants of the company, even for the ser- 
vice of the king, without his permission. He forbade 
their leaving the fort, without first asking him. 'This 
should be so, or he would burn his books.' The Cana- 
dians, who had been drafted, were pledged to the service 
of the company ; they, therefore, informed M. de Tonti 
of the orders of the commissioner, and he brought the 
complaint to me. I immediately sent for the Canadians, 
and, having taken their several depositions in the pres- 
ence of witnesses, I sent for M. Denoyer. I asked him 
if he pretended that I could not draft the servants of the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 170 

Insolence of ML D^noyer. 

company for the service of the king, without his permis- 
sion. He had the impertinence to maintain to my face, 
M. de Tonti being present, that he did so pretend ; and 
asserted that he did not now believe I had the power. 
This reply, made with all possible arrogance, obliged 
me to send him to prison. Therefore, I said to him : ' I 
will teach you, little commissioner, to neglect your own 
duty and act the seditious, by attempting to alienate 
other minds from obedience.' 

Cowit. "Is it possible that this commissioner dared 
show such insolence ; and that a seditious person is so far 
protected by the company, that they even wish to accuse 
you of a crime for inflicting so slight a punishment ? If 
you had done otherwise, you would have deserved to 
suffer the penalty of military law. There is nothing so 
injurious, as to allow a revolt to go unchecked at its 
commencement; and it is of great importance that a 
commandant be very watchful, and that he do not permit 
the authority of the king to be in any degree diminished. 
Has the governor-general received full information of all 
this? It seems incredible that he should allow it. How 
long did you keep this commissioner in confinement ? 

La Motte. " Soon after my arrival at Montreal, I ren- 
dered to the governor-general a very exact account of 
the whole transaction. Some time afterward, he knew 
that the directors had preferred this charge, among 



180 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Connivance of the Governor-general. 

others, against me. He manifested no opposition to it, 
which proves that, on account of M. Lotbinieres, his 
uncle, the whole plan has his connivance and protection. 
At least, it shows the little skill he possesses in main- 
taining the authority of the government, and protecting 
those officers in its service who understand their duty. 
As for the prison, it is nothing more than the sergeant's 
room, in which this illustrious commissioner Denoyer 
remained only about three hours ! 

Count. " Really, that was a great punishment ! Be 
assured, I will not pass by in silence the small degree of 
attention paid by the governor-general to this affair. Did 
the imprisonment take place before, or after the savages 
demanded the dismissal of M. Denoyer ? 

La Motte. " These are the facts : M. Denoyer arrived 
at Fort Pontchartrain, on the 5th of June. On the 8th, 
the savages demanded his removal, by a necklace, which 
he accepted against my entreaties, and, if I may use the 
term, remonstrances. I told him I would settle the affair 
with the savages, not doubting that I understood their 
reasons for making the request, and thinking I could re- 
move the bad impressions of him which they had re- 
ceived. He would not yield to my persuasions ; but 
gave up his instructions, all his papers, and the effects 
of the company, into the hands of a man named . Cha- 
tellerault, second commissioner. So true is this, that he 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 181 

Savages demand the Di mi- sal of M. Demyer. 

has stated these facts himself, which makes me believe 
that he had instructions to conduct in such a manner as 
to cause the savages to demand his dismissal, and then 
charge the blame upon me, in my contemplated absence. 
The directors and their commissioners had in view my 
removal, and the consequent failure of the establishment. 
M. Denoyer was imprisoned on the 22d of June, fourteen 
days after the savages demanded his dismissal. Some 
days later, I imprisoned him a second time, for having 
disobeyed a standing order, that no officer or other per- 
son should leave the post without my permission. M. 
Denoyer, as if to continue his former disobedience, caused 
his canoe to be put into the water and loaded for Mon- 
treal. He had not mentioned the subject to me, as he 
always pretended not to be subordinate to me. I found 
this canoe, belonging to M. Denoyer and the other two 
commissioners, ready loaded and manned with eight 
men, while its owners were yet under arms, according to 
the custom of distant posts. M. Denoyer and the other 
two commissioners were immediately arrested and sent 
to prison. 

Count. "You did right to punish such an infringe- 
ment of the universal rule in distant posts. "Was M. de 
Chatellerault the second commissioner in fault ? 

La Motte. " Yes, since he had received the instruc- 
tions, papers, and effects of the company, it was real- 



182 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Frequency of Revolts — Twelve years' Service. 

ly his duty to ask permission for this boat to descend 
to Montreal. This contempt of my orders, together with 
the fact that they had not, since their arrival, paid me 
the customary visit of respect always considered due the 
commandant of a fortified town, especially so at these re- 
mote posts, caused me to perceive the intrigue between 
these commissioners. The order that no one shall leave 
the post without permission, is necessary to prevent the 
embezzlements that might otherwise be made. 

Count. " Are factions and revolts frequent in that 
country? Have you a good garrison? You ought, at 
least, to have a hundred tried soldiers at your fort. 

La Ifotte. "The preceding year, the commissioners 
and temporary servants of the company revolted against 
M. de Tonti, who commanded during my absence, and 
he permitted the sedition to go unpunished ; and proba- 
bly these new ones thought I would not dare to punish 
them. There is not another commandant in that coun- 
try who has not experienced very strong rebellions. 
During the twelve years that I have commanded in that 
region, no open rebellion has occurred. The beginning 
of a revolt has been checked by the immediate punish- 
ment of the instigator, for which I have always, till now, 
been commended. As for the garrison, the governor- 
general, intendant, and directors, have done so well by 
their treatment of the soldiers, that they have reduced 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 183 

Treatment of the Soldiers— Company's Servants. 

the number to fourteen. They are treated like galley- 
slaves. For three years past they have received neither 
clothes nor pay. 

Count. " At the time of the meeting at Quebec, were 
not the temporary servants of the company more numer- 
ous than your garrison ? 

La Motte. " Yes ; there were at that time thirty ser- 
vants of the company, who might have raised a sedition 
that would have been serious in its consequences, if they 
had been disposed to second the movements of the com- 
missioners. The directors say that these acts of violence 
— for so they designate the punishment which I inflicted 
upon their commissioners — prove that I have interests 
separate from those of the company, and for this reason 
they are opposed to my return to Fort Pontchartrain. 
They even objected to my remaining at Montreal, at the 
time of the departure of the convoy for that post, lest 
I might have some communication with those going 
thither, and inspire them with opinions contrary to the 
interests of the company. 

Count. " Have they demanded any thing more ? 

La Motte. "Yes; they ask that I be ordered to re- 
main at Quebec, to reply to any accusations which they 
may hereafter bring against me. Finally, they have 
concluded to hold me responsible for all the harm that 
has befallen the company. They have obtained the con- 



184 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Cadillac's vouchers — Absurdity of Charges against him. 

sent of the intendant to grant them a hearing, and he 
has commanded me to remain in Quebec till farther 
orders. 

Count. " Strange that they should inform against you 
upon points which can be vindicated immediately. I see, 
by your account, that you have vouchers for your con- 
duct in every thing that affects the interests of the com- 
pany. Indeed, I know they were satisfied with your 
conduct until the close of 1703. This is also fully evi- 
dent from the fact that they have paid you four thousand 
francs for your services. Doubtless, the directors have 
preferred these charges against you to retaliate for the 
information you gave against the two commissioners, 
Arnaud and Nolan, their relatives. But it is absurd 
that they should inform against a commandant for an 
act of imprisonment, when he holds the full power to in- 
flict that punishment, especially when the offense tends 
to rebellion. It cannot be that the intendant has con- 
sented to grant their request ? 

La Motte. " On the contrary, he has permitted the 
directors to institute a complaint against me, on every 
head contained, in their memorial, and ordered a copy 
to be transmitted to me, that I might prepare myself to 
answer. He has also requested M. Kamesay, comman- 
dant at Quebec, to require me to remain in that city till 
I had given satisfaction to the directors. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 185 

Illegal arrest — Official intrigue. 

Count. " It appears, from this, that the intendant has 
issued orders for your arrest, on a mere complaint, with- 
out any legal process. Has M. Ramesay really caused 
you to be arrested on this requisition of the intendant ? 

La Motte. " He has ; though not without first repeat- 
edly informing the intendant that he could see nothing 
in the memorial of the directors, but a mere complaint 
without any proof; therefore, he did not believe he 
ought to arrest an officer holding his commission from 
the king himself, and esj)ecially the commandant at Fort 
Pontchartrain, a distant post established at the head of 
the colony. He also wrote to the governor-general con- 
cerning the affair. In rejily, the governor-general in- 
formed him that he had done right in executing the 
order of the intendant and ordering my arrest. 

Count. " I no longer doubt that the governor-general, 
intendant, and directors, have connived together, their 
object being to save the two commissioners, at the 
expense of your reputation, and to overthrow the estab- 
lishment at Detroit, by depriving you of the com- 
mand. All things at that post would then be under the 
undisputed management of the Jesuits, who, it is re- 
ported, really possess all the authority in the govern- 
ment, and in the administration of justice. Do not be 
discouraged ; if yom* statements are true, which I do not 
doubt, you shall not suffer for having obeyed my in- 



186 EAELY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 

Directors and Commissioners. 

structions and maintained strict integrity. Have you 
any thing to say against the proceedings of M. Vincelot, 
who was delegated by the intendant to investigate your 
affairs at Detroit? 

La Ifotte. " M. Yincelot is cousin-german to M. Pi- 
naud, one of the directors, who is my enemy ; this is suf- 
ficient to make the whole proceeding absolutely null and 
void. Then the governor-general sent M. Louvigny, an 
officer of Quebec, and brother-in-law of M. Nolan, under 
the specious pretext of commanding the convoy to De- 
troit ; though the real object was to aid M. Yincelot in 
his efforts against me, hoping that their united influence 
might effect the abandonment of the post. It is also 
necessary for me to say that, when Messrs. Arnaud and 
Nolan were recalled, their places were filled by two 
other relatives, Messrs. Chatellerault and Demeulle. 

Count. " Pray, stop ; I shall soon believe that all who 
are in the employ of the company at Detroit, and wish 
to retain you at Quebec, are the relatives of the three 
directors, and also allied to the governor-general." 



CHAPTER IX. 

Cadillac's defense continued — He gives his reasons for appealing to a 
higher court — Narrates the measures taken to secure the destruc- 
tion of Detroit — Offer of a pension to M. Tonti — Government sends 
M. Decouverte to the Ottawas and Miarnis with goods — M. Mantet 
sent with presents and necklaces— M. Vincennes sent to the Mianiis 
with three canoes loaded with goods — Ruin of Detroit determined at 
Quebec — Fort at Detroit set on fire — Church, house of the Kecollets, 
and dwelling of M. la Motte Cadillac burned — All the provisions of 
the fort consumed — Generosity of the savages — Miarnis attack the 
Detroit savages — M. Cadillac negotiates a peace between the several 
nations — War-party of the Illinois made prisoners by the French — 
Brought to the fort — Whipped with rods — Ottawas of Michilimackinac 
remove to Detroit — Sixty Ottawas make a descent upon the Iroquois 
at Fort Frontenac — Paganism of the savages. 

Count. " What were your reasons for bringing your 
cause before a higher court ? 

La Motte. " I have taken exceptions to the intendant, 
because, upon the complaint of the directors, without 
proof, he caused me to be arrested at Quebec, thus pre- 
venting my return to Fort Pontchartrain ; a proceeding 
contrary to law, and a manifest act of violence, which 
proves him my adversary. He cannot pass sentence 
where he has no legal power to judge. Holding my 
authority directly from the king, and having always had 
the power to imprison or otherwise punish offenders, dur- 



188 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Fur.- mortgaged to die Intendant. 

ing the twelve years that I have commanded the posts 
in that distant region, for which I was never before in- 
formed against, I consider myself amenable only to the 
governor-general and the court. 

"The intendant having lent the directors considerable 
sums by orders on the Exchequer, the furs at Detroit are 
mortgaged to him, he being surety to the office of the 
Exchequer for the sums lent. Therefore, the surety is no 
less interested than the creditor in preserving the prop- 
erty of the debtor. The testimony of the intendant is 
quite necessary to me, as he possesses private knowledge 
which would be unfavorable to the directors. 

" I have also objected to M. Yaudreuil, because M. Lot- 
binieres, first director of the company, is his uncle, and 
father-in-law of M. Arnaud, one of the commissioners 
convicted of embezzlement. Also, because Messrs. Yau- 
dreuil and Lotbinieres, especially the first, have letters 
concerning those embezzlements, which they will sur- 
render only by the orders of a superior. I have pro- 
tested against the procedure of M. Yincelot, because he 
is a man of no character or ability. His parents were 
people of bad reputation. Besides, the testimony of M. 
Yincelot is objectionable, as he is cousin-german to M. 
Pinaud, one of the directors. 

" Finally, I have appealed to a higher power on account 
of the plot between the governor-general, intendant, di- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 189 

Arnaud ami Xolan sent to Michiliinackinac 

• — 

rectors of the company, and the Jesuits. They were un- 
able to overthrow the establishment while I remained 
there, and no doubt they believed that, by causing me 
to be detained here as prisoner, under these diabolical 
pretexts, they would succeed in shielding their guilty 
relatives, by preferring against me the same accusation 
of which I convicted them. 

"Having been unable, with all their authority, to 
prove any thing against me, and thus consummate their 
plans, they have sent M. Louvigny, major of Quebec, 
to Detroit, to corrupt the savages, and cause them to 
take part against me. M. Louvigny himself has been 
convicted, by the sovereign council, of commercial trans- 
actions, and of contravening the orders of the king. 

"The commissioners, Arnaud and Nolan, having 
accused me to the directors, left Quebec as soon as 
they heard of my arrival at Montreal. The directors 
sent them to Michilimackinac in a boat, belonging to 
the Jesuit Fathers, heavily loaded with goods. By this 
means, an opportunity was afforded to M. Arnaud to 
bring his beaver and other furs from Michilimackinac, 
whither he had transported them, after having stolen 
them from the storehouse of the company at Detroit. 
These peltries were in the house of one of the Jesuit 
Fathers at Michilimackinac, which proves the protection 
extended by the governor-general, the Jesuits, and di- 



190 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Witnesses vent to the Outawa country. 

rectors, to these commissioners. I spoke of it one day 
to the governor-general, who replied that 'the com- 
missioners had gone to Michilimackinac without his 
knowledge, the Jesuits having said nothing to him 
about it.' 

"Nearly all the witnesses who deposed at Detroit 
concerning the dishonesty of the commissioners, having 
arrived at Montreal, were immediately sent to the coun- 
try of the Outawas, charged with goods, to prevent the 
confrontations and proofs. The depositions of all those 
who have accused me, having been taken, they also have 
been sent to the Outawas. In the mean time I arn per- 
secuted, imprisoned, and deprived of the little property 
I possessed. All this is done to gain time, in which to 
effect the overthrow of Detroit. They also wish to annoy 
me, and make me ask their pardon, and beg for mercy. 
But I will do no such thing. I await your judgment 
and that of the king. I wish to have this affair fully in- 
vestigated. They have attacked my reputation, and I 
demand satisfaction. I have served the king with indus- 
try, zeal, and assiduity, in proof of which I have many 
certificates. All the letters of my superiors are full of 
expressions of satisfaction in regard to my conduct and 
services. 

Count. ""Will you now inform me, minutely, concern- 
ing the measures that have been taken for the destruc- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 191 

Treatment of M. Tont; — Private contract. 

tion of Detroit? Speak plainly, and be assured of my 
protection, provided you accuse justly, and alter the 
truth in nothing. 

La Motte. " I will not depart from this principle. My 
patroness is Truth, and I believe myself invincible while 
I fight under her banner. I will simply give you the 
facte, and you may draw your own inferences ; the pub- 
lic have drawn theirs. 

"Last year M. de Tonti, having descended from De- 
troit to Montreal and Quebec, found himself denounced, 
with the commissioners of the company, for trade and 
embezzlement. Far from punishing him, the directors 
have sent him back again to Detroit, finding him a good 
instrument to use secretly against me, and against that 
post. As an additional encouragement, they gave him 
a pension of six hundred francs a year, by contract, un- 
der private seal. The understanding was, that he should 
send his wife back to Montreal, as a means of making 
the savages believe that they intended to abandon De- 
troit. As soon as I heard of it, I proposed to send my 
family to Quebec or Montreal, for the same sum; but 
they woidd not listen to it. I did this to try them. 

" At the time of M. Tonti's return, they sent M. Mantet 
to Michilimackinac, with two canoes loaded with goods 
and brandy, under the pretext of conveying thither the 
amnesty. Yet he departed for the Outawas six or seven 



192 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

M. Mantet— Goods sent to Michilimaekinac. 

weeks before the arrival of tlie vessels that brought the 
news of the said amnesty. They also sent M. Decouverte 
to the Outawas and Miamis, with two canoes loaded with 
goods and brandy, under pretext of settling some differ- 
ences between our allies. 

" According to the confession of M. Yaudreuil, M. 
Mantet was charged with presents and necklaces to set- 
tle these difficulties. It is therefore evident that the 
mission of M. Decouverte to the Miamis has only been 
to prevent that nation from coming to settle at Detroit, 
and, in case of ill success, to create disturbance. 

" M. Yincennes was also sent to the Miamis, with or- 
ders to go by the way of Detroit, being really sent to 
M. Tonti. He had three canoes loaded with goods, and 
more than four hundred quarts of brandy. His pretext 
was, that he was going to terminate the war commenced 
by the Miamis at Ouyatanon, against the nations settled 
at Detroit, and against the Iroquois. This war was al- 
ready ended, and the governor-general and intendant 
were so informed. Besides, it would be strange to send 
an ensign ad honores to settle difficulties between nations 
at a distant post, where there was already a commandant 
appointed by the court. 

" "When I questioned M. Yincennes concerning his er- 
rand, he told me that the governor-general had an in- 
terest in the goods which he carried. I mentioned this 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 193 

Father Marest— Euin of Detroit 

to M. Vaudreuil, who replied that he would discharge 
M. Yincennes, as lie had only given him permission to 
take two canoes. 

" Father Marest, Superior of Michilimackinac, and of 
all the missions to the Outawas, M. Tonti, captain at De- 
troit, and M. Mantet, met at Quebec ; and it was there 
and then that the ruin of Detroit was determined upon 
by the Superior of the Jesuits at Quebec, the governor- 
general, intenclant, and directors. To effect this, they 
decided to issue permits, and re-establish the mission at 
Michilimackinac. That their plans might not fail, Father 
Marest returned with a boat-load of goods. M. Mantet 
accompanied him with two other boats, and M. Tonti 
went with them as far as Detroit. 

" M. Callieres had made an arrangement, to which the 
Superior of Quebec had subscribed, fixing the destina- 
tion of Father Marest at Detroit; yet the governor- 
general and intendant wrote me that they could not pre- 
vent his return to Michilimackinac, ' for several strong 
reasons.' Thus you perceive that Father Marest has had 
permission to take one boat-load of goods to Michili- 
mackinac, thus preventing the savages from coming to 
Detroit to trade. 

" M. Mantet has taken two boats, M. Decouverte two, 

M. Vincennes three, and M. Boudor one. M. Boudor 

has the savages quite at his disposal, and has carried 

13 



194 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Outawas supplied with Goods and Brandy. 

into the country of the Outawas more than twenty thou- 
sand francs' worth of goods and brandies. 

"M. Tonti has also been well paid. He has sent 
three boat-loads of goods to the Outawas, where they 
have been sold for his benefit. Twelve boat-loads of 
goods have been sent to the Outawas, beside large quan- 
tities carried thither by the savages. It is true that per- 
mission has been given, under pretense of their going to 
the Illinois, who are too far distant to come to us ; but 
it was only a pretense. 

" Orders were, some time since, issued by government, 
forbidding any one in all the colonies to sell brandy to 
the savages, under any circumstances whatever ; and the 
penalties attached to the law were inflicted with all pos- 
sible severity. While they punish with rigor all viola- 
tions of this ordinance at any of the posts, they allow 
great quantities of brandy to be carried into the depths 
of the forests — and the Jesuits do not complain of it. 
They now maintain a strict silence on the subject, 
after having made so much noise about it in the days of 
Count Frontenac and M. de Callieres. They did not then 
so rule the country. 

" The fort at Detroit has been partially burned. The 
fire was the work of an incendiary. It was set in a 
barn, which was filled with Indian corn and other grains. 
This barn was flanked by two of the bastions. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 195 

Fort at Detroit fired— Repaired. 

"The flames being increased by a high wind, the 
chnrch, the house of the Recollets, M. Tonti's house, and 
my own, were all consumed. My loss was about four 
hundred pistoles. I might have saved my house, if I 
would have allowed the storehouse of the company and 
the property of the king to burn. I had one hand se- 
verely burned, and lost most of my papers. 

" The fort was repaired in two or three days, all the 
savages assisting me with the best possible grace. They 
also manifested their generous feelings toward me on this 
occasion. Having lost all my own provisions, and the 
supplies of the garrison and of the servants of the com- 
pany, the savages made to me, personally, a present of a 
hundred bushels of corn. They also furnished all the 
grain necessary for the subsistence of the garrison, at the 
usual prices, taking no advantage of our necessities. 
The garrison of one hundred men that was given me in 
1701, had become reduced, at that time, to fourteen, so 
that it was impossible for me to guard all the fort ; in- 
deed, I could fully protect only two of the bastions, and 
that with much fatigue to the soldiers. Having received 
neither clothing nor pay for three years, they were also 
much discouraged. One of the soldiers fired upon the 
savage who set fire to the barn ; but we could not leam 
who he was, nor have we since been able to obtain any 
definite information concerning him. All the nations 



196 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Miamis atiack Detroit — Flag of Truce. 

settled around Detroit aver that it must have been a 
foreign savage, or some Frenchmen who will be well 
paid for committing the deed. 

"Soon after the attempt to burn the fort, the Miamis of 
Ouyatanon came to Detroit, and made an attack on the 
savages there. They killed an Outawa, two Hurons, and 
a Pottawatomie. This act of hostility exasperated all 
the nations at Fort Pontchartrain, and warlike prepara- 
tions were immediately made. I succeeded in persuading 
them to wait a few clays, and then dispatched a messen- 
ger to the camp of the Ouyatanons, who were four hun- 
dred strong, telling them if they did not come promptly 
and make reparation for this insult, I would go myself 
and exterminate them ; but, if they would come, I would 
send them a white flag for their protection. They im- 
mediately sent their chiefs to Detroit, replaced the dead 
with the living, according to their custom, and made 
large presents to the relatives of those who were killed. 
Thus a bloody war was prevented. Father Mermet, 
Jesuit, is missionary to the Ouyatanon Miamis. This 
attack was made after the Miamis of the river St. Jo- 
seph had left their villages to come and settle at Detroit. 

" About the same time that the Ouyatanons attacked 
Detroit, the Illinois also sent thither a war-party of 
fifteen persons. They were discovered and made pris- 
oners. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 197 

Prisoners whipped by the French — Outawa chief. 

" When they were brought to the fort, the French con- 
tented themselves with whipping the prisoners with 
small rods, giving them to understand that I treated 
them as a father, preserving to them the lives which 
they deserved to lose. I then sent four of them back to 
their tribe, with the demand that some of the principal 
chiefs should come and give their reasons for presuming 
.to make war against the nations of Detroit. They were 
so much intimidated by this, that a treaty of peace was 

easily concluded, which still continues. 

» 

" The Illinois stated that Elouaousse, one of the chiefs 
of the Outawas, had been sent to their country, to per- 
suade them to engage in a war against his own nation at 
Detroit. He had induced these fifteen young men to 
join him, and they departed on the expedition without 
the knowledge of the old men of the nation, who would 
have nothing to do with the affair. 

" Father Gravier is missionary to the Illinois, and M. 
Delieta, a relative of M. Tonti, also resides there. Prob- 
ably their design in instigating the destruction of the na- 
tion of Detroit, by the Illinois and Miamis, was to cause 
the savages to retire to Michilimackinac to avoid the 
war. The Illinois who are not boatmen, would not be 
able to cross the straits which unite Lake Huron with 
the Lake of the Illinois. Elouaousse, of whom I spoke, 
did not leave Michilimackinac for the Illinois till some 



198 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Hurons — Outawas— Memorial of Jesuits. 



time after the arrival of Father Marest and M. Mantet. 
The few Hurons who remained at Michilimackinac, have 
left that place, and joined those at Detroit. All that na- 
tion are now established there. I had the honor to assure 
you, by letter, last year, that this would be so in spite 
of the declarations to the contrary, made by the famous 
Father Carheil, their missionary. 

"The Outawas of Michilimackinac, with the excep- 
tion of seventy or eighty, have also come to Detroit. 
This transmigration has surprised the whole body of 
the Jesuits in that country. They did not expect it. 
The governor-general and intendant were quite unpre- 
pared for such intelligence, as they had placed full con- 
fidence in Messrs. Mantet and Decouverte; and espe- 
cially in the representations of Rev. Fathers Marest and 
Carheil. 

" Last year I had the honor to send you a copy of a 
memorial of the Jesuit Fathers, particularly of those of 
Michilimackinac, in which they intimated to me that if 
the savages came to Detroit, they would follow. The 
savages have come, but the Fathers remain immovable 
in their parishes. 

"Sixty warriors of the Outawas, who still remained 
at Michilimackinac, made a descent upon the Iroquois, 
and surprised and captured nearly forty of them, under 
the very walls of Fort Frontenac. Having killed one 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 199 

Sixty Outawas attack the Iroquois. 

of the Iroquois, they placed a Huron tomahawk upon 
his body, to signify that he must have been killed by 
some of the Hurons of Detroit. The Outawas could 
not reach the villages of the Iroquois by the usual, 
route, without passing Detroit, where they would be 
opposed by the nations dwelling there ; so they crossed 
over to the other side of the river, and descended to 
Fort Frontenac. 

"It is not at all probable that sixty men would have 
had the boldness to declare war against the five nations 
of the Iroquois, unless instigated to such an act by those 
whom they considered wiser than themselves. Probably 
the motive presented, was the hope of the re-establish- 
ment of Michilimackinac, by depopulating Detroit. The 
instigators knew very well that Detroit could not sus- 
tain itself against the hordes of the Iroquois, without a 
strong French garrison, and that the savages would 
very naturally return to their old hunting-grounds, to 
escape the dreaded Iroquois. This event occurred after 
my descent to Quebec, and while I was detained there 
a prisoner. Soon after the attack, M. Mantet arrived 
at Montreal ; and fifteen days after, M. Decouverte 
came also. Both brought a number of boats loaded 
with beaver and other furs — the recompense for such a 
fine errand. 

" M. Vincennes is now actually at Detroit, with four 



200 eak£y history of Michigan. 

Payment of an Envoy — New interpreter. 

hundred quarts of brandy, and is keeping a public house. 
He was the precursor of M. Louvigny, major of Quebec, 
and of M. Vincelot, sent by the intendant to obtain evi- 
dence against me. In corrupting the savages, brandy 
has not been spared. 

" The directors have paid M. Louvigny two thousand 
francs for making this journey, which occupied him only 
fifty-five days. An officer was never before known to 
receive pay for escorting an envoy. M. Vincelot has 
also received the sum of one thousand francs for the voy- 
age. He returned with M. Louvigny. See the gener- 
osity of the directors, at a time when the company is 
overwhelmed with debt, and the colony in the greatest 
distress, and without resources ! 

" The interpreter sent by M. Callieres to Detroit, was 
M. Champigny. He has been withdrawn, because he 
was an honest, able man. They have put in his place a 
man named Rivan, who does not understand the Outawa 
language, of which he is the interpreter — but he is a 
brother-in-law of M. Yaudreuil. 

" The Outawas accused Quarante Sous, a chief of the 
Hurons, of having told them that it was I who had in- 
stigated the demand for the dismissal of M. Denoyer. 
Quarante Sous denied it, and asserted, in the presence of 
M. Louvigny, M. Yincelot, and all the French, that the 
accusation was false — that I had never spoken to him of 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 201 

Quar.mte Sous — Oath administered to Savages. 

M. Denoyer. 'I do not understand the language of 
M. la Motte,' said he, ' neither does M . la Motte under- 
stand mine, and where is the interpreter?' The Outa- 
was hung their heads, and confessed that they knew 
nothing about it. All of my witnesses from Detroit, 
said boldly that every thing had been done to intimi- 
date them, yet they all testified decidedly in favor of my 
acquittal. 

" In taking the testimony of the Outawas, M. Yincelot 
made them raise the hand and take an oath that, by 
their hopes of Paradise, they would speak the truth. 
Such a thing was never before known among the Outa- 
was. I would be willing to stake my life against the 
production of one previous example. They would as 
soon raise the foot as the hand ; and would be baptized 
a hundred times a day for a hundred drinks of brandy. 
"We may infer the value of their oath. It is an indis- 
putable fact, that there is no wigwam without its divin- 
ity — as the eagle, the serpent, the bear, and many other 
animals — to whom they sacrifice in their necessities, 
especially in times of war and sickness. The only good 
that the missionaries do, consists in the baptism of chil- 
dren who die after having received it, and perchance 
administering the same rite to some old man at the hour 
of death. 

" What officer would command in that country, if the 



202 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Martial feast at Fort Frontenac. 

testimony of the savages was received in the courts of 
law ? It would have been more prudent for M. Yaudreuil 
to recall me at once, if he wished to destroy this post 
and protect his relatives in their dishonesty, than to 
proceed in this manner ; because, hereafter, the savages 
will have neither respect nor fear for the commanding 
officers. 

" M. Yaudreuil has not been sufficiently cautious ; he 
has not foreseen the consequences of this affair, nor the 
severe blow which his conduct gives to the authority of 
the king. Messrs. Frontenac and Callieres would not 
have made such a mistake. 

" M. Lacorne, lieutenant of the troops, whom the gov- 
ernor-general has appointed to the command at Fort 
Frontenac, made a martial feast to the Iroquois ; put 
the hatchet into their hands, and directed them to go 
and make war against the nations at Detroit. He is a 
good officer and understands the colonial service, and 
would never have declared war against the savages at 
Detroit, without orders from the governor-general, either 
verbal or written. 

" This last attempt to destroy that post is outrageous, 
and proves, too well, that the war which the Illinois and 
Ouyatanons had commenced against our savages, and 
the attack of the sixty Outawas from Michilimackinac 
upon the Iroquois, and M. Lacorne's declaration of war, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 203 

M. Vaudreuil's illegal Traffic— Land leased. 

all emanated from the same source. The only evidence 
we had of the instigation of the Jesuits in the other diffi- 
culties, was the word of the savages ; but M. Lacorne's 
proceedings unravel the mystery. 

"M. Yaudreuil himself, has sent an Outawa named 
Sans Souci, formerly a soldier under his command, to 
Michilimackinac, with two canoes/ loaded with seven 
or eight thousand francs worth of goods and brandy, 
under pretense of bringing Ouendigo, a savage belong- 
ing at Michilimackinac. If this sort of pretext is 
good to cover an illegal traffic, there was no need of 
suppressing the permits. Can any one doubt that Sans 
Souci is interested with the governor-general in this 
commerce ? 

" M. St. Germain has leased M. Yaudreuil's grant of 
land, and gives him for it three thousand francs a 
year, besides having built a house, which is to become 
the property of M. Yaudreuil when the lease expires. 
There is not more than a quarter of an acre of the 
land broken up ; therefore, the tenant must of necessity 
traffic with the Indians, otherwise he could not pay 
so large a rent, or build so good a house, for the 
benefit of M. Yaudreuil. Indeed, it is notorious that M. 
St. Germain has earned his beaver to the English, and it 
is a greater vexation to the neighboring inhabitants, who 
are forbidden to make any trade with the savages. 



204: EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Beaver brough: by M. Decouverte. 

" M. Decouverte, on his return from the country of 
the Outawas, brought with him beaver to the amount of 
six thousand francs, as any one may see at the office 
of Receipt. Of this, M. Vaudreuil has received a thou- 
sand crowns." 




Mpn 




-\ (S.&1BI&. 



CHAPTER X. 

Disaffection of the Iroquois toward Detroit-Detroit Indians invited by 
the English to Albany, in 1703— Return disaffected toward the French 

Firing of the fort — The consequences — Letter from Father Marest, 

at Michilimackinac— Additional account of the difficulties with the 
Indians— Fears for the safety of the French— M. Chartier resolves to 
leave the mission-house at St. Ignace, and go alone to Fort Michili- 
mackinac — Prevented by the offer of Merasilla, an Outawa-Sinago — 
He assures the missionary of his own safety— Asks a flag and letters 
to the French at Michilimackinac— Three Frenchmen return with 
him— Michilimackinac more securely fortified— M. Arnaud makes 
presents to the savages— The old men in council disapprove of the 
conduct of their tribe in going to Detroit— Great anxiety about the 
missionaries at St. Joseph— Friendship of Koutaouiliboe— Onaske" 
sends an apology to the governor-general for his seeming remissness 
in duty to the French— Savages returned from Detroit report two 
Frenchmen killed, one a Eecollet priest. 

The settlement of Detroit in 1701, called forth the re- 
monstrances of the Iroquois, which were entirely un- 
heeded by the French. Disaffection on the part of that 
powerful confederacy of nations was the consequence, 
though they still continued to observe the conditions of 
the treaty made at Montreal the previous year. 

In 1702, war was declared against France by England, 
Germany, and Holland. This renewal of hostilities had 
no perceptible effect upon the colonies in America, until 
the following year, 1703. In the summer of that year, 



206 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Indians invi:ed to Albany— Disaffection. 

the Indian nations in the vicinity of Detroit were invited 
by the English to Albany, and a number of the chiefs 
of the Outawas accepted the invitation. They returned 
disaffected toward the French, having been induced to 
believe that the post at Detroit was established for the 
purpose of effecting their subjugation. 

The firing of the fort, soon after their return, and be- 
fore M. la Motte's departure for Montreal, was, no doubt, 
an outburst of their aroused indignation ; and the subse- 
quent attacks upon Fort Pontchartrain, during his pro- 
longed absence, by the Miamis of Ouyatanon, and the 
Outawas of Michilimackinac, are no doubt traceable to 
English as well as Jesuitical influence. 

In addition to the account of these difficulties, given 
by M. la Motte to Count Pontchartrain, is the following 
letter, written by Rev. Father Marest, missionary at 
Michilimackinac, to the governor-general : 

" Michilimackinac, August 14, 1706. 
"J. M. J. :— 

" Monsieur : — I did myself the honor to write you, by 
Toupikanich, concerning the bad news we had heard from 
Detroit, that a war had broken out between the Hurons, 
Miamis, and Outawas. At the time I wrote, we were 
ignorant of the fate of the French at Detroit, and also at 
Michilimackinac. 

u The savages whom we sent to Michilimackinac, re- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 207 

Letter of Rev. Father Marest— M. Cliartier. 

turned after going almost to the very gates of the fort, 
without bringing us any assurance of the safety of the 
French. 

" M. Chartier, though he had cause to fear the savages 
at Michilimackinac, on account of some captives who 
were there, was the first to offer to go on this hazardous 
mission, saying 'he was ashamed to remain, and rely 
solely on the reports of the savages, for every one knew 
that they always mix the false with the true in any news 
they undertook to report.' 

" But an opportunity was providentially afforded us of 
learning all we wished to know, without incurring any 
risk. Merasilla, an Outawa-Sinago, who was going to 
Detroit with the people of Toupikanich to avenge the 
death of his brother, who was killed the day after he 
was made chief, and by this means restore the name of 
Kischkouch, when he heard that we intended to go to 
Michilimackinac, begged of us to ask the savages to re- 
lease him, that he might accompany us thither. The 
savages granted our request, but reproached him with 
having no love for his brother. But, nothing daunted, 
he requested an interview with M. Menard and myself. 

" The parley took place the next morning, which hap- 
pened to be St. Ignace' day, after mass had been said for 
that saint. All the French who wished, were permitted 
to be present. 



208 EAKLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Merasilla an Outawa-Sinago. 

" No one could have spoken in a more engaging, sen- 
sible manner, than did Merasilla. He said there really 
was cause to fear for us, and for the French at Michili- 
mackinac ; but he hoped to be able to relieve all the 
French from any trouble they might be in. He re- 
quested us to give him a flag, and a letter to the French ; 
these would be sufficient evidence to them that he had 
not come to imbrue his hands in their blood. He said, 
if he found the French at Michilimackinac still alive, 
and desirous to revenge themselves upon their enemies, 
if all things were favorable to such an attempt, he would 
return immediately with the letter which the French 
would undoubtedly send in answer to ours. If he found 
that the French had already been massacred, without 
allowing the savages there to suspect that he had seen 
us, he would come with the utmost dispatch and warn 
us, that we might retire to a place of safety ; and if there 
were any immediate danger of an attack upon us, he 
would aid us in defending ourselves. 

" You may judge how gladly his proposition was re- 
ceived, though it is always said that a man risks his life, 
if he trusts to the fidelity of a savage. But we made 
him such promises, in our own name and in yours, that 
the hope of reward was to him a very strong induce- 
ment to keep his word. We told him that as soon as he 
returned, we would recompense him abundantly, whether 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. "209 

Hostages — French give presents to Merasilla. 

the condition of things were good or bad, and that we 
would inform you of the essential service he had ren- 
dered us, and you would never forget it. 

" To give us every possible assurance of his fidelity, 
Merasilla left his whole family with us as hostages, and 
with only three savages, departed in a canoe for Michili- 
mackinac. He executed his commission with the utmost 
secrecy. He said nothing to the savages, nor to the 
French, except to the one to whom he gave the letter, 
until after he was fully informed of the state of affairs. 
All the French at Michilimackinac greatly admired his 
judicious conduct. On his return to the mission, each 
of the Frenchmen there made him a present to the value 
of four beavers ; for which it is but just that the king 
should remunerate us, as it is in his service that we are 
exposed to so many dangers. You will greatly oblige 
all of us, myself in particular, if you will also recompense 
him liberally. He will then feel, that to render good 
service to the French who are under your orders, and 
especially to a missionary, is a matter of some im- 
portance. / 

"Three Frenchmen returned with Merasilla from 
Michilimackinac, who informed us it was not without 
reason that we had been told that we risked much in at- 
tempting to go to Michilimackinac. For eight days the 

occupants of that post had been as if the tomahawk were 

14 



210 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Imminent danger— Outawas go :o De.roit 

suspended over their heads. Two of the principal wo- 
men in the village, who had always until then appeared. 
very friendly to the French, went weeping from hut to 
hut, demanding the death of the French who had killed 
their brother. Three or four times the French had been 
obliged to make presents to the Indians, who considered 
these gifts as a kind of contribution, or honest plunder. 
They had also been obliged to sell goods to the savages 
at their own price. But, since the last news from De- 
troit, by which it appeared that the French there had 
not shared in the second attack made on the Outawas, 
affairs at Michilimackinac had been more quiet. 

" The day before the Frenchmen left Michilimackinac 
to come to us, all the Outawas in the village, about one 
hundred and sixty in number, including those who 
came to invite them, started for Detroit. If the French 
there should take any part in the difficulties between 
the different tribes, there would be more reason than 
ever to fear for the safety of the French at Michili- 
mackinac. 

" Notwithstanding this news, we all resolved to pro- 
ceed together to Michilimackinac. For my own part, I 
considered it quite as safe to risk being detained as a 
hostage by the savages, as to incur their displeasure, 
which I should most certainly do if I attempted to go to 
Montreal. Besides, I believed that my presence would 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 211 

French fortify Michilimackinac. 

serve as a restraint upon the savages, and thus be some 
security to the French. 

" On our arrival at Michilimackinac, on the 9th of 
August, every one seemed rejoiced. The savages de- 
clared that they were now convinced that their father 
Onontio would not abandon them ; that whatever might 
happen at Detroit, the French would always be secure 
here. Indeed, they said they did not believe Onontio 
had any thing to do with the affair at Detroit, since, 
though he had knowledge of it, he had sent them good 
promises, and the missionary had returned to them, in 
spite of all the dangers of the way. 

" The French have been actively engaged in fortifying 
this establishment for the safety of themselves and their 
effects, as no one can depend on the word of the savages, 
since the chiefs, however good their intentions, are not 
masters. For our better security, M. Arnaud has found 
it necessary to make presents to all the savages. In this 
he has acted for the public good, and deserves to be re- 
paid. He will present his bill to yourself and the in- 
tendant. You are not ignorant how zealous M. Arnaud 
is for the public good, especially when he knows that 
his services will meet your approval. His generosity 
ought not to go unrewarded. M. Menard, who came up 
with me from Montreal, will also present you with his 
bill of expenditures in the service of the king. 



212 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Presents — Old men in Council. 

"It is not just that these two men should be obliged 
to defray the expense of presents to the savages ; espe- 
cially as the king in these troublous times has provided 
no presents with which to settle difficulties. I have my- 
self paid the value of a score of beavers, for services. You 
will permit me to say that, as I came here by your or- 
ders, in the midst of so many dangers, it seems only 
right that some provision should have been made for my 
journey, and I hope hereafter this subject may receive 
your attention. Still, I am very glad to be here, and 
hope my presence will be of service to the French. 

"I believe, if M. Menard and myself had arrived 
here before the departure of the Indians for Detroit, we 
might have prevented their going, by informing them of 
some things we heard by the way ; but this was not per- 
mitted. The old men in council have condemned the 
departure of their tribe, but say they could not restrain 
the young men, after they had learned the treason of the 
Hurons. Besides, they went to aid their relatives, by 
their tomahawks and with provisions. 

" Before we left St. Ignace, Toupikanich informed us 
that a party of a hundred men would soon arrive, on 
their way to Detroit ; but they did not appear while we 
remained there. Therefore M. la Motte ought not to 
find fault because we did not stop them. 

" About that time, a party of warriors were to leave 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 213 

Expedition against the Miatnis prevented. 

Michilimackinac, and, having engaged the Sacs and 
Foxes to join them, intended to attack the Miamis on 
the river St. Joseph. M. Arnaud induced them to wait 
until our arrival ; and we were enabled entirely to divert 
them from their object. To effect this, we gave them 
the necklace you had sent to settle their difficulty with 
Detroit, and prevent their going thither. This necklace, 
with tobacco, had the effect to stop Onaske and Kou- 
taouiliboe, who were living beyond the precincts of the 
village — and through their influence the whole project 
was easily overthrown. Several canoes have indeed de- 
parted since, but there was not a sufficiently large num- 
ber of savages to make a successful attack. 

" I asked the savages if I could send a canoe manned 
with Frenchmen to the river St. Joseph, with any degree 
of safety ? They replied that I could, and urged me to 
do so, seeming to take an interest in the Fathers who 
are there. The truth is, they do not feel at liberty to 
make war upon the Miamis while the missionaries re- 
main there, and for that reason would prefer that they 
should come to us. I had previously engaged some 
Frenchmen to carry the news to the river St. Joseph, 
and to relieve our Fathers if they were in any difficulty ; 
but one of them has been so much intimidated by the 
representations of his friends, that he dare not trust him- 
self among the savages. 



214 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

French Commandant desired by the Savages. 

" As affairs are at present, I do not think the removal 
of the Fathers is advisable, for that is the most import- 
ant post in all this region except Michilimackinac ; and 
if the Outawas were relieved from the restraint imposed 
upon them by the existence of the mission, they would 
unite so many tribes against the Miamis, that in a short 
time they would drive them from this fine country. 

" All the old men of this village who are friendly to 
the French, among whom is Koutaouiliboe, have be- 
haved so well during all the trouble at Detroit, that they 
deserve to be rewarded for their zeal. Koutaouiliboe 
has long been our friend. He possesses sound sense and 
a good reputation, and has affection enough for us to 
deserve our consideration. He desires me to say, to you 
in particular, that he cannot settle all these bad affairs 
alone, and he wishes you, next autumn, to send the 
French chief you intend for them, and they will pay the 
amount in beaver. They no longer know where to find 
martens and wild-cats. He says, they all wish to have 
no more difficulties here. 

" Onaske wishes me to inform you that ' the reason he 
has appeared to grow remiss, was from the fear that 
some trouble might occur in his absence, and there 
would be no one to settle it.' He says, that while he 
was at the Isle en Huronne, the smallpox desolated his 
village, and he invited the Kickapoos of Detroit to re- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 215 

Message of Onaske to the Governor-general. 

turn here ; but they did not obey him, and now they 
have been killed by the Hurons. He took the French 
in his arms, when the people who came from Detroit 
had a bitter heart toward them ; for that reason I found 
them in good condition. He was very glad to see me, 
and hoped I would remain. He was glad that the 
French had made a fort for me, and for themselves. It 
would strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, and 
cause jealousy among the tribes at Detroit. He had 
done all he could to prevent the young men from de- 
scending to Detroit ; and since I was here, he had noth- 
ing to fear from those who should come from there, and 
he would not allow any trouble to originate here. If Le 
Pesant left Detroit, he did not believe he would come 
here, but would probably go to Manitoulin.' Onaske 
begs you ' always to love his village, and not to believe 
the representations of Le Pesant, who gave six packs of 
beaver to the Iroquois to induce them to come with him 
and destroy Michilimackinac. He hopes you will con- 
tinue to hinder the Iroquois from coming here, and in- 
struct them not to receive the Huron, if he wishes to re- 
turn to his wigwam.' You will, of course, manage these 
things as you think proper. 

. "I have, at last, found another Frenchman who is 
willing to go to the river St. Joseph, and I hope the four 
will now depart immediately. We have reason to feel 



216 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Great battle fought at Detroit. 

anxious concerning the safety of the Fathers, on account 
of so many war-parties going down on that side. At 
least, we shall have news from St. Joseph, unless our 
men find too many dangers in the way." 

"Michilimackinac, August 27, 1706. 

" A few canoes of the savages of this place, who went 
to Detroit, having returned, I am permitted to give you 
their report ; they arrived here on Monday, August 23d. 
The chiefs of Michilimackinac, who remained at home, 
have always maintained that their men had not gone to 
fight, but to withdraw their brothers, the young men, 
from Detroit. Those who went last, report that they 
met these young men on their way home. Five or six 
days had already elapsed since they left Detroit, and 
they were nearly exhausted with hunger. Ten canoes 
have gone to Saginaw for provisions. Le Pesant and 
Jean la Blanc, with many others, are still delayed by 
the wind. Those who have arrived, say that a great 
battle was fought at Detroit, and that the French were 
going out with the Miamis and Hurons to attack the 
Outawas in their fort. Two Frenchmen had been killed 
in the combat, by a Miami. The Outawas feared that 
they had killed some of the Iroquois of the Saut, if any 
were with the Hurons. 

v' 

" The savages all say that the Miamis were masters in 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 217 

Outawa captives burned. 

the fort of the French, stealing their corn and other pro- 
visions, and committing all manner of depredations. It 
was also reported that they had burnt an Outawa. The 
Hurons burned a young Outawa woman in their fort. 
They sent four Outawas captive to the Miamis of St. Jo- 
seph ; two of them escaped ; but they said the Miamis 
had not ill-treated them, and the blame of the whole 
affair must rest on Quarante Sous. The same Hurons 
had two other Outawa prisoners, whom they wished to 
give either to the Miamis, who were soon to return from 
Detroit, or to M. la Motte. 

"The greater part of the fields at Detroit had been 
ravaged. ( Only a few of the Miamis remained at De- 
troit, and the Loups had withdrawn. No news had yet 
been received from M. la Motte. M. Menard will give 
all the circumstances at length ; you may depend upon 
his report. 

" We are impatiently awaiting the return of M. Bou- 
dor and the Outawa chiefs. I have not yet sent to the 
river St. Joseph, but hope to very soon. 

" I hasten to close this long letter, by assuring you that 

I am with respect, sir, 

" Your very humble, and 

" Very obedient servant, 

"JOS. T. MAREST." 



CHAPTER XL 

La Motte's reply to two letters of the governor-general — Gives an ac- 
count of the attacks of the savages mentioned by Father Marest — 
Jean la Blanc demands peace by a branch of porcelain — M. Bourmont 
receives the branch, and refers the affair to the decision of M. la Motte 
— M. la Motte thinks tins outbreak no sudden freak — Savages proba- 
bly instigated by others — Desertion of the French soldiers on their 
way to Detroit — Expresses thanks that powder is no longer allowed to 
be sold to the hostile savages by the traders — Arrival of one hundred 
warriors, Sauteurs and Amikouecs — Numerous councils held between 
them and the French — M. la Motte demands of them the death of 
Le Pesant and three or four others — Hurons and Miamis determined 
to plunder the traders at Michilimackinac. 

On the reception of the first letter from Father Marest, 
containing an account of the trouble at Detroit, the 
governor-general wrote two letters to M. la Motte, who 
was returning to his post at that place. To these com- 
munications M. la Motte wrote the following reply : 

" Fort Pontchartrain, August 27, 1706. 

" Monsieur : — I received, on my way hither, the two 
letters with which you were pleased to honor me, dated 
27th of June and 3d of July. By the first, you inform 
me that you are not surprised at the attack which the 
Outawas have made upon us, and upon the Miamis. 
Not so with me, for I confess frankly that I was ex- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 219 

Letter from Cadillac to the Governor-general. 

tremely surprised at this undertaking of a nation which 
never before manifested a warlike disposition toward us. 

" The affair of the Mississaques of which you speak 
was a quarrel between this nation and the Mi amis, who 
had nothing in common with the Outawas. The com- 
mandant of this post had pacified the parties, and settled 
the difficulty. In fact, as soon as the Outawas had com- 
menced the attack, the Mississaques drew outside of 
Detroit, that they might not be suspected of having 
given any aid to the Outawas. They have even come 
here, since my arrival, to ' lament our dead,' according 
to their custom. 

" It appears that the Outawas premeditated what they 
have done ; and according to the letter of M. Bourmont, 
of which he has shown me a copy, it appears equally 
certain that they intended to destroy the French, for they 
killed the Eev. Father Constantine, who was in his gar- 
den outside the fort, and La Riviere, a soldier who had 
gone to give warning to the missionary. This soldier 
received a wound from the knife of a savage ; and while 
attempting to save himself, he was pierced by three or 
four gun-shots before he could reach the gate of the fort. 

" Who does not know that the savages are cunning 
and perfidious ? ' The old men,' say the Outawas, ' did 
not meddle in this affair — it was the young men.' Fine 
excuse, if we can make up our minds to receive it. 



220 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Attack of the Outawas on Detroit. 

How is it then, sir, after committing this black deed, 
Jean la Blanc, who is the second chief, and the old man 
of the village, comes to demand peace by a branch of 
porcelain ?* M. de Bourmont received it, referring him 
to what you and I would do about it on my arrival. 
Only four hours after, Jean la Blanc, who is the second 
chief, and the old man of the village, came to attack the 
fort with a great number of warriors. They kept up a 
brisk fire upon it from five o'clock in the afternoon until 
midnight. In short, they continued the siege forty or 
fifty days, even to the day of their departure. 



* ' ' The porcelains in this country are shells ; these are found on the 
coasts of New England and Virginia. They are channeled, drawn out 
lengthwise, a little pointed, without ears, and pretty thick. The fish 
contained in these shells are not good to eat ; but the inside is of so 
beautiful a varnish, with such lively colors, that it is impossible to imi- 
tate it by art 

' ' There are two sorts of these shells, or, to speak more properly, two 
colors, one white and the other violet. The first is most common, and 
perhaps on that account less esteemed. The second seems to have a 
finer grain when it is wrought ; the deeper its color is, the more it is 
valued. Small cylindrical grains are made of both, which are bored 
through and strung upon a thread, and of these, branches and collars, 
of porcelain, or wampum, are made. The branches are no more than 
four or five threads or small straps of leather, about a foot in length, on 
which the grains or beads of wampum are strung. The collars are in 
the manner of fillets or diadems, formed of these branches sewed together 
with thread, making four, five, six, or seven rows of beads, and of pro- 
portionable length ; all of which depends on the importance of the affair 
in agitation, and the dignity of the person to whom the collar is pre- 
sented.' ' — Charlevoix. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 221 

Flag of Truoo — Indian forts. 

" What did this same Jean la Blanc mean, when he 
returned to the fort Avith a flag-staff in his hand, and 
having approached the bastion, said to M. Bourmont, 
' "With what I hold in my hand I fear nothing, for it 
comes from M. Yaudreuil. It is not you who will settle 
this affair, it is he ; I listen to his word, and do what he 
bids me.' After which he entered the fort, having de- 
manded admission of M. Bourmont, where he repeated 
the same thing. 

" What language is that ? who can understand it ? Is 
it the young men, or the old, who have been concerned 
in this action % 

" The whole course which the old men, or rather this 
nation, have pursued, proves only too well that this reso- 
lution has not been taken suddenly. I think this design 
would never have been executed, if M. Tonti had not 
previously laid out two large forts, one for this nation 
and the other for the Hurons, on which he made the 
French work in spite of themselves. I learned his de- 
sign before my departure from Detroit, and advised him 
to do nothing about it, because it was not prudent, on 
the right and left of ourselves, to fortify nations upon 
whom we could not rely. On the contrary, our fo7 y t 
should have kept them in dependence. It was a great 
mistake, but there was a remedy, and I had proposed to 
myself a means of causing these forts to be abandoned. 



222 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Besieged fort destitute of Gunpowder. 

" But M. Tonti committed a much greater mistake by 
selling to the Outawas, for the benefit of the company, 
so much powder that at the time of the attack there 
remained only thirty-one pounds, as appears by the in- 
ventory with his signature. Fortunately M. Bourmont 
had fifty pounds which he brought from Quebec the 
preceding autumn. Great strength! mighty means of 
defense ! A royal fort established by order of the king 
in a wilderness teeming with savages, yet destitute of 
gunpowder ! 

" The Outawas were well informed of this fact ; they 
also knew that the garrison consisted of only fifteen men ! 
But, sir, even with a knowledge of these facts, why 
should the savages make an attack on the fort, and kill 
the French? "Why fight the Miamis, who have lived 
there peaceably for five years, eating and drinking to- 
gether every day ; and who had never for twenty or 
thirty years quarreled among themselves ? 

" It was said that the attack was made on the Missis- 
saques ; but that could not have been, as the Mississaques. 
have not only shown no disposition to avenge themselves, 
but have gone away, not wishing to be in any way con- 
cerned in the bad conduct of the Outawas. 

" You were right in supposing that I would find no 
Outawas here on my arrival. I was of the same opinion 
as soon as I learned, at the distance of two days' journey 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 223 

Savage outbreak preconcerted. 

from Montreal, that they had made an attack on the 
fort, and had killed the poor Father, the soldier, and the 
Miamis. The report that some of the Outawas had been 
left at the fort as hostages, until my arrival, was false. 
They were not so well disposed toward the French as 
that would signify. 

" There is no doubt, sir, as you have said, that if M. 
la Forest or myself had been on the spot, these difficul- 
ties would not have occurred. Perhaps we might have 
been able to detect those secret plans, by means that 
escaped the observation of M. Bourmont. 

" But this outbreak is no sudden freak ; and if the 
savages have become so seriously disaffected as present 
appearances indicate, no doubt the cause may be imputed 
to my unjust detention at Quebec by your order, in con- 
sequence of a well-concerted series of charges preferred 
against me by the company of the colony. I am aware 
that at first you might have believed me guilty; but 
after I was acquitted by the intendant, I had the honor 
to request, with all possible earnestness, your permission 
to return to the post to which I was appointed by the 
king — not having been the choice of any governor — but 
you refused to grant my request. I must believe you 
had good reasons for so doing, though I have not the 
honor of knowing them. 

"Your orders to go to Fort Pontchartrain were not 



224 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Pimabanso — Deserters — More, troops needed. 



given to M. la Forest until the 25th of September, just 
after I had received an order from Count Pontchartrain 
to come to Quebec, if I were at Detroit ; consequently it 
was my duty to remain, and M. Bourmont was sent to 
command until I could return. 

" You are already aware that M. Bourmont, who left 
Quebec on the 29th of September, did not arrive here 
until the 29th of January. If he, young and vigorous, 
had so much difficulty in accomplishing the journey, 
would M. la Forest, who is between fifty and sixty years 
of age, have been able to succeed, especially as he was 
then in ill health ? I am more vigorous than he, because 
I am younger, but my duty to the colonial minister com- 
pelled me to remain at Quebec. 

" On my way hither I passed Sonnontouan, the village 
of that dangerous spirit Pimabanso. I had some disposi- 
tion to give him trouble ; but he is an evil spirit, and 
always gets himself out of difficulty. I have just learned 
that he is near here, coming from Orange laden with 
brandy, as is his custom. 

" I have no doubt that you will cause some of the 
deserters from this post to be punished, and that you 
will send the rest back, or replace them, in order to 
complete the number that you granted me. May I not 
also hope for an increase of fifty men ? I trust you will 
either grant me that number, or else release me from 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 225 

Conduct of St. Jean and Parisien. 

the responsibility of any troubles that may arise at this 
fort. 

" I hope you will be able to arrest, and return to me, 
two men of my company named St. Jean and Parisien, 
who ran away from me on our way to Detroit. After 
we had crossed the Grand Traverse, I left four or five 
canoes which did not go as well as the others, ordering 
M. Dufiguier to tell them that I would go on to the 
Fort du Sable, and await them there, as they could 
come thus far with perfect safety. The other boats soon 
arrived. But St. Jean and Parisien entered the Goya- 
gouin bay, and proceeded to the great village of Sonnon- 
touan to carry letters to the Jesuit who resides there, and 
who, it appears, had charged them with his letters to 
Montreal. I awaited them at the Sable eight entire 
days, because I heard by the Iroquois that there were 
Outawas at the Portage. I have written evidence of all 
this. They did indeed come to the Port du Sable after 
they were sure I had left, though I first obtained a pro- 
mise from the Iroquois that if the deserters should come, 
they would escort them to the portage of Niagara. 
Seven or eight Hurons went to the Fort du Sable and 
offered themselves as an escort, but St. Jean and his 
party would have nothing to do with them. Do not 
these rascals deserve to pass the winter in a dungeon, 

and to be sent back here in the spring ? 

15 



226 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Traders forbidden to carry Powder to the Savages. 

" I am very much obliged to you for having forbidden 
the four canoes which have gone to Michilimackinac, to 
carry powder there. I do not know whether your orders 
have been executed, for a hundred well-armed Missis- 
saques came here with a letter to me from Father Marest, 
who furnished them with powder for their journey. 
They say the French were not willing to receive their 
beaver, but traded with them for all their martens. I 
have forbidden them to trade for powder here, fearing 
they might be but the messengers of the Outawas, or, at 
least, would share the powder with them. 

" A hundred other warriors have also arrived, Sauteurs 
and Amikouecs, whom Father Marest and Maurice Me- 
nard had collected around Toupikanich. It is believed 
that they come to assist the Outawas, as they had with 
them two Outawa men and one squaw. "When they saw 
the Outawa fort on fire, they conferred together, and 
seemed to decide that it was necessary to hold a parley 
with us. . For that purpose they raised three good white 
flags of such cloth as they would not be apt to purchase, 
and I granted them permission to land near the fort. As 
they had not appeared to be concerned in the affair with 
the Outawas, we felt obliged to receive them ; but the 
result was the holding of many councils, and sometimes 
I was under the necessity of using very large words. 

" The Hurons and Miamis, who are no fools, from the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 227 

Peace with the Miamis — Savages go to the English. 

first opposed these councils, for they were confident this 
movement had only been made by the Mississaques and 
Sauteurs to favor the Outawas. Their reasoning was 
very good. They said, if these tribes had come on a 
peaceful errand, they would not have come as soldiers, 
nor in such large numbers ; neither would they have 
brought with them two Outawas, whom we at once 
recognized as among those who had fought against us. 
I made great efforts to destroy this idea. I knew our 
allies had good reasons for thinking as they did, but 
considered it best, under the circumstances, to tell them 
I would not permit them to kill people whom I knew to 
be innocent — I would rather die with them. 

" Upon hearing my decision, the Miamis armed them- 
selves and left the fort, and went to the village of the 
Hui-ons. I immediately caused the gates to be shut, and 
doubly guarded. Finally, the Miamis met us in council, 
and I settled the affair peaceably ; all now appear 
satisfied. 

" I learned accidentally at Sonnontouan, on my way 
here, that five Outawas, two Miamis, and two or three 
Hurons had gone to Orange to get brandy. I do not 
know what has become of the Outawas ; the Miamis 
have returned, and report that the English detained 
them there, on account of the difficulties at this post. 

" The Hurons, Ouyatanons, and some of the Miamis 



22S EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Nations refuse to make peace with the Ontawas. 

are here, and have, in all the councils, expressed the 
following sentiments : ' We will never listen to a treaty 
of reconciliation with the Outawas. We will hear, on 
this subject, neither the governor nor you. Onontio 
might give us all the goods in Quebec and Montreal, 
and we would reject them' (I very much doubt it, how- 
ever). ' We beg you to join us. We are killed for wish- 
ing to give life to your fort, and to avenge you. M. 
Bonrmont had no powder ; we gave him ours to defend 
you. We do not wish for peace — it must not be spoken 
of. If you make peace with the Outawas, we shall have 
bad thoughts.' 

"This last sentence means, in good French, that if I 
make peace with the one, I may expect war with the 
other. But I do not trouble myself about that. I shall 
succeed in my designs — not, however, without some dif- 
ficulty. I replied to them as follows : 

" ' We have been struck by the same hand ; but I do 
not wish to make war in your mode, I wish to do it in 
mine. Tou go in small parties, and often put over the 
fire little kettles. As for me, I declare to you all, Uu- 
rons, Miamis, Ouyatanons, Chavouanons, and Iroquois, 
to all who hear me speak, I wish to boil only one great 
kettle, and to put all the Ontawas into it at once. ISTow, 
listen to me : if they discover us on our march and flee, 
they cannot sow ; if they have sown, we will destroy 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 229 

Cadillac promises the destruction of the Outawas. 

their com. The governor will give them no powder, 
and these people cannot live by the bow and arrow. 
They are dead men, without costing you the loss of a 
single man. If they shut themselves up in their villages 
and fortify themselves there, I promise to fire the pal- 
isade, and give you admittance. I will do it myself, at 
the head of the French soldiers and of your warriors, 
and I promise you not to leave a single Outawa on the 
earth.' 

" Since that time, it has been necessary to pass day 
and night in council, and I am quite exhausted. I 
scarcely know how I have found time to write so long a 
letter ; I cannot take a copy of it. 

"These nations wished to proceed immediately to 
Miehilimackinac with a hundred warriors, and desired 
me to go with one hundred French soldiers. I have 
persuaded them to defer the expedition imtil next 
spring, when they have concluded to go with an army 
of eight hundred warriors. w 

"It is for you, sir, it is for you to decide what is best, 
to be done. You still have time to send your orders this 
autumn, by a light canoe, which would probably reach 
here before winter sets in ; but if they should be over- 
taken by cold weather, the men could come by land. 
My own opinion is, that this attack of the. Outawas 
ought not to go unpunished. In order to completely 



230 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Punishment ol'Le Pesant— Expenses defrayed. 

quiet these troubles, it will be necessary to put Le Pe- 
sant and three or four others to death, and to pardon the 
rest. This punishment would render the chiefs of each 
nation more wise and circumspect, since the chiefs are 
always the authors of such mischief. Le Pesant is 
old, and his missionary will pray God for him after 
his death, and give him absolution at death, if he de- 
mand it. 

" I should have immediately sent a canoe-load of men 
to inform you of all the events transpiring here, that you 
might take such measures as you should think necessary, 
if the soldiers, who were sent by M. Bourmont, and also 
my correspondents at Montreal, had not assured me that 
no one troubled himself to send them back, or even to 
assist in defraying the expenses of their voyage. There- 
fore, sir, unless you think proper to give me some certain 
assurance that the envoys whom I send to inform you of 
what is passing here in your own government, shall have 
their expenses defrayed by the king, conlent, if you 
please, to receive reports from me only by such opportu- 
nities as may present themselves. I am not rich enough 
to do otherwise. 

" Why is it that since last January each soldier has 
only been allowed three sous a day for food ? This has 
not been the case before in ten years. "Why does not 
the intendant feed these troops as well as he does those 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 231 

Hurons and Miamis plunder the Traders. 

at Quebec ? Will you have the kindness to give atten- 
tion to this matter % 

" Allow me to inform you that the Hurons and Miamis 
are going to Hichilimackinac, determined to plunder all 
the French traders who are on their way thither, and 
thus prevent them from carrying powder and ball to the 
Outawas. 

" Finally, sir, it appears to me that your action in re- 
gard to the Outawas is of great importance. Of this 
you are already well aware, knowing, as you do, our 
interests, and the manners and customs of this people. 

" Your very humble, and 

"Very obedient servant, 

"LA MOTTE CADILLAC." 



CHAPTER XII. 

The governor-general orders the principal chiefs of the tribes engaged 
in the attack on Detroit, to descend to Montreal — They arrive June 
17, 1707 — Governor-general refuses to see them — Council called the 
next day — Jean le Blanc's speech — Second council, June 20th, speech 
of the governor-general — Third council, Jean le Blanc's reply — Fourth 
council, governor-general again addresses the savages — Demands the 
death of Le Pesant — Finally refers the affair to M. la Motte Cadillac 
at Detroit — Last coimcil : Jean le Blanc consents to the demands of 
the governor-general. 

In accordance with the advice of M. la Motte, the 
governor-general ordered the principal chiefs of the 
Outawas to come to Montreal, that he might examine 
into the affair. Obedient to the command, Jean le 
Blanc, and a number of other chiefs, made the journey 
in the spring of 1707. They arrived on the 17th of June, 
and proceeded immediately to pay their respects to the 
governor-general. To their great dismay, he refused to 
see them. The next day, however, a council was called, 
and Jean la Blanc, the second chief of that powerful na- 
tion, the Outawas, made the following speech : 

" My father, my father — I am so embarrassed that I 
know not if I shall have strength to speak to you. Our 
custom is, as soon as we have debarked, to come and sa- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 233 

Provocation to the Attack on Detroit 

lute you. We were surprised, yesterday, to leam that 
you did not wish to receive us. 

"My father — You see your children, the Outawas; 
behold in what state we are to come here below ! "We 
have no more of the old people ; and of all our chiefs, 
whom you have seen here at other times, there now re- 
mains to us only Le Brochet, who is on his way hither. 

" My father, my father, M. de Yaudreuil — I wish you 
to hear me, and listen to me tranquilly. I have com- 
mitted one fault, which is very great. I cannot say that 
I was intoxicated, for I had not the water of life of the 
English to induce me to do this bad action. But I will 
tell you, with all truth, what was the cause of my mis- 
fortune. 

" "We had departed, as you already know, our father, 
to make war upon the Sioux, to avenge the Sacs, our 
allies. After having passed the fort of the French, 
as we were near that of the Hurons, a savage came to 
tell us that our children were dead ; that after three 
days' inarch of our warriors, the Ouyatanons would come 
to eat our women and children. Then, my father, we 
said, ' "We will strike the Miamis before they strike us, 
or we are indeed dead.' 

" You have known, my father, from Mishonaky, and 
you ought to have known by your letters, all that has 
passed in this affair; and especially our great misfor- 



234 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Interview between Jean le Blane and M. Bourmont. 

tunes, as the ' gray coat' and the soldier have been killed, 
though without design. 

" When they had finished fighting, that is to say, sev- 
eral days after we had attacked the Miarnis, I went alone 
to the fort, to speak to M. Bourmont. I carried a branch 
of porcelain, and entreated him to be willing to listen 
well to me. I told him it was to be wished that Onon- 
tio M. Vaudreuil, and even the great Onontio, the king, 
could hear me, as they would listen to my reasons. I 
demanded of him the coat which you gave me when I 
came here below, and which I had left in the care of the 
best of my friends. I demanded of him this coat, my 
father, in order to make use of it to find the nations 
clothed in the coats of my father, and to settle all the 
bad affaire. He would not listen to me. The day fol- 
lowing, I returned six times, and each time I took with 
me a man of the different nations, and presents of neck- 
laces and beavers, in order to be able to speak to him ; 
but he refused to listen to us, as on the preceding day. 

" My father, my father — You have known all that has 
happened, and how all has occurred. I have nothing to 
fear, because I have a good father ; therefore, I conceal 
nothing from you : I show you all that is in my heart. 
Here is my body ; do with it what you will : put me in 
the big kettle, if you think proper. But I am not the 
most guilty ; for what I have done, was done as by a 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 235 



Merits and Services of Talon pleaded. 



man without his senses. It is Le Pesant, that bear, who 
is above upon his bed, who has not been willing to listen 
to all the reasons which we brought, to prevent him 
from obliging us to commit this bad act. 

" My father — Since I have commenced speaking, I am 
gaining courage. I beg you to remember that it was 
my father Talon, my own father, who first came from 
the upper regions to find the French. He came across 
the woods to Three Rivers, where he was well received 
by him who commanded there. The next year he re- 
turned, and found there M de Courcelle, who gave him 
the name of Talon, saying it was necessary to bind the 
commerce together ; and, since the door was open, they 
must continue to see each other, as it gave him a key to 
this door, in order to open it when he should think 
proper, whatever difficulties might occur. 

" My father — I keep this key, being one of his chil- 
dren. I make use of it to-day to open your door. It is 
true that I have almost closed the door against myself, 
by my bad conduct ; but of what use is this key, if it 
may not serve me in an affair of consequence ; and who 
is permitted to use it, if not I, to whom my father has 
left it? 

" My father — I have left Michilimackinac, to come to 
see you. I have come by the old way, so much traveled 
by our ancestors. I found it all filled with impedi- 



236 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Obstacles removed— Guilt confessed— Pardon sought. 

ments. I have cleared it ; I have taken away the trees 
that obstructed it. I have removed the .rocks in the 
rapids ; I have rooted out all the bad plants, in order to 
make it, in future, a fine passage for mj brothers, the 
French, and for ourselves. I give you this necklace, my 
father, that this gate may remain open to you. "We 
have lost every thing, in losing our old men ; we have 
no wisdom to conduct us. How can we have, being 
without a leader? At Michilimackinac we have seen 
M. Louvigny, M. la Motte, M. Tonti, M. Mantet, and 
M. la Forest, with the Illinois. "While they remained 
there, we always lived peaceably, and were always obe- 
dient to the will of our father. What has happened to 
us at Detroit is very painful ; I am vexed with myself 
when I think of it. I killed myself when I killed the 
soldier, and the ' gray coat,' the child of the father who 
gives us life ! Have pity on us, our father, for I am in 
despair at the bad conduct which I have committed. 
Behold all your children here present; they say the 
same thing. We have killed the ' gray coat,' it is true, 
but we hope to bring him to life again. When I say 
that we will bring the ' gray coat' again to life, it is not 
with necklaces and furs ; for I know well that, though 
we might have a house full of them, they would not be 
a sufficient recompense for the blood of our father. 
What then can I do ? I can only satisfy you, my father, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 237 

Captives offered— Quaranto Sous— Hurons. 

by giving you these two captives, who are our own blood, 
since we have adopted them. Receive them, my father, 
to cover that of Father Recollet ; else take my body. I 
can offer you nothing more ; have pity upon me ! Re- 
store tranquillity to the lakes and rivers, that all your 
children may be in peace ; and that they may cook their 
meat, and drink of the wave, with all safety. 

" There are those, my father, who call themselves your 
children, who have wished to astonish me, by taking me 
by the end of the finger ; but you, my father, have al- 
ways held me by the hand. It is true that I have 
thought to escape you. I beg you now to take my hand 
more strongly than ever. What can I fear, if you do 
not abandon me ? 

" My father — Tou must have seen, by your letters, 
and by what Mishonaky has told you, how many nations 
Quarante Sous has invited to eat us. I confess to you 
that the Hurons, after having been so long our friends, 
have villainously betrayed us. I am cut to the heart, 
and I can only be healed by telling you all my thoughts. 
The Hurons have not only killed us in battle, but what 
touches me the most, they have killed our men who, for 
the love of them, went with them to war against the 
Flat Heads. The Hurons would, long since, have been 
no more, if I had left their interests. Many nations 
have asked of me this roebuck, to eat it ; but I have not 



238 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Outawas — Reproaches of the Hurons and Miamis. 

been willing to give it up. Yet it is he who has betrayed 
me to-day. 

" My father — The Hurons have committed four trea- 
sons in succession, in what has passed at Detroit. I 
know not the number of people I may have killed for 
them ; but they have killed for me thirty men. 

" My father — It is I, it is the Outawas, who have killed 
the ' gray coat ;' by mistake, indeed, but we have killed 
him and the soldier, and we have caused all the misfor- 
tunes which have occurred at Detroit. As for Techenet, 
it is M. Bourmont wdio has killed him, seeing him fight 
against us ; for the father and the soldier were both 
killed in the first fire ; and all that happened afterward 
was done coolly, as M. Bourmont caused it to be done. 

" My father — All my bad feeling toward the Miamis 
and Hurons arises from their having often reproached 
me with being without a father. They said you had for- 
saken me ; and a proof of that was, that I had no longer 
any powder, while they were treated to it in abundance. 
' What !' said I to myself, ' am I not the oldest of my 
father's children? "Why should he abandon me?' 

" M. la Motte has invited me, by Beauvais, to come to 
see his village. M. d'Argenteuil has also sent me word 
that he could not come to see me now, but he hoped he 
might do so soon. I have replied to M. la Motte, that 
if I had two bodies, I would willingly divide into two 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 239 

Reply of the Governor-general to the Chiefs. 

parts, to go to see him ; but that, having only one, and 
being called by my father, I was going to learn his 
wishes." 

In accordance with the Indian custom, the governor- 
general deferred his answer until a future time. Two 
days after, on the 20th of June, the council again met, 
and M. Yaudreuil made the following reply to the 
sj>eech of Jean le Blanc, addressing himself alike to Le 
Blanc, and to all the other chiefs who had accompanied 
him to Montreal : 

" I am not surprised, Jean le Blanc, after what has 
happened at Detroit, to see you embarrassed in speak- 
ing to me ; you should have foreseen at that time what 
would be the consequences of such conduct. If I did 
not wish to receive you immediately on your arrival, as 
I received Le Brochet, Meyaouka, and two others, it is 
because I regarded them as obedient children, who, in 
these bad affairs, always maintained good principles. 
But as for you, I can yet regard you only as a rebellious 
child — one who has displeased me with his bad conduct. 
I know all that has passed at Detroit ; every thing has 
been told me by M. la Motte, M. Bourmont, and Father 
Marest, as well as by yourself. 

"Did you say the truth yesterday when you told me 
that you would give me your body to do with it what- 
ever I might wish, even to put you in the big kettle, if 



240 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Accuses Jean le Blanc of Perfidy. 

I thought proper ? In this, you betray your despair of 
my forgiveness for those things that you have done ; that 
is something, but it is not enough. I am a good father, 
it is true ; but for that very reason, when one offends 
me, the offense is very great. 

" In coming here, you have given me a proof of your 
obedience, and also of your confidence in my kindness. 
But I have not yet received any evidence of your true 
and sincere repentance, and perseverance in well-doing. 
Therefore, what have I to depend upon when you have 
returned to Michilimackinac ? What pledge will you 
give that you will not, on the very first day, insult my 
children ? 

" When you came here two years ago, you, Jean le 
Blanc, with Le Pesant, did you not tell me that the 
Outawas of Michilimackinac were not like those of De- 
troit, who had attacked the Iroquois without cause ; that, 
although the Miamis had struck you twice, your broken 
head was quite closed up since the peace, and wherever 
you might find the Miamis you would not attack them, 
unless they first attacked you, but then you would avenge 
yourselves. Did I not then tell you, that in case of any 
farther trouble it would be necessary for me to refer you 
to the commandant of Detroit, who, knowing all the cir- 
cumstances of the case, and having my orders, could 
always tell you my wishes ? 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 241 

Expresses confidenco in the other Chiefs. 

"Have you kept your word? Did you inform M. 
Bourmont before you attacked the Miamis ? Is it true 
that the Miamis made the first attack upon you, and you 
tried to prevent it ? 

" No ! All this is only a pretext, of which Le Pesant, 
the bear, who is now at Michilimackinac, high up in his 
bed, was glad to make use, in order to give trouble. 
Since you failed then to keep your word, what ground 
have I to believe you now ? I ought rather to think that 
only the danger in which you are now makes you prom- 
ise so fairly. 

" The more I examine into the events that have trans- 
pired at Michilimackinac, the more I see of your disobe- 
dience. Sometimes I behold my children, the Iroquois, 
bound and ready to be burned ; sometimes I see the 
French, whole families, taken prisoners and held as host- 
ages. These are every-day occurrences ; and if I forbid 
you to go to war, it is to restrain those among you who 
are constantly seeking occasions for war. 

" It is not that among the large tribe of the Outawas 

there are none who listen to my voice ; I know that 

Meyaouka, who is here, loves peace, and Le Brochet 

also. I know that Sakima has a good mind, and since 

he has come here he shows a disposition to satisfy me. 

I know that there are still some others above who have 

good sentiments. 

16 



242 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Le Pesant's life demanded — Blood for Blood. 

"But who will satisfy me that, when you have re- 
turned, Le Pesant, that hear, who dreams upon his mat 
only of making war, will not spoil the present peaceful 
spirit you possess, and prevail upon you to commit a 
greater fault than that which you have already com- 
mitted ? 

" Tour present offense is much greater, since you have 
not only without cause attacked the Miamis, my allies, 
and armed in my service, but you have also attacked 
myself by killing a missionary, whose loss can hardly be 
repaired. He was of so much value among us that if 
Le Pesant, who is the sole cause of all this mischief, had 
come here, I do not know what I might have done. But 
I leave to you the care of avenging me, and rendering 
suitable satisfaction. You should have brought me his 
head. My blood still flows. I see it continually before 
my eyes ; and though you have come here, I cannot yet 
staunch it. The two captives whom you present to me, 
though adopted by you, are foreign blood. Father 
Recollet and the soldier were my blood — my own blood. 

"The blood of the French is usually repaid among us 
only by blood. Thus, you see, I ought not to be satisfied 
with what you have done ; indeed, it is almost impossible 
to satisfy me at all for the loss which I have sustained, 
unless it be by sacrificing the head of him who caused it. 

" You have told me yourself that he caused all your 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 243 

Second speech of Jean le Blanc. 

misfortunes} and so long as he lives will only make quar- 
rels for you with all the nations, and will finally be the 
cause of your ruin. Keflect on what I have said to you, 
and give me your reply." 

The next day, June 21st, 1707, the council having 
again convened, Jean le Blanc made the following re- 
joinder to the speech of the governor-general : 

"My father, my father — I come again before you. 
Count Frontenac always told our old men, that we would 
still be his children, although they were dead. I speak 
to you as if they were present. 

" We are your children, my father ; we come to you 
by a necklace. I am in despair, my father, about being 
able to repair the evil I have done. I speak for my 
people, I lend them my voice. 

" I have nothing to offer you but my body. I am in 
despair, being unable to make amends for my faults. 
I follow in the footsteps of our old men — I fullow in the 
footsteps of my own father ; they have always been obe- 
dient, I will be so too. I have committed a great fault ; 
but can it be repaired? My father — 1 am desperate 
about what has happened. You have demanded the 
head of that bear who is above. True, it is he who is 
guilty — it is he himself; but I cannot promise you 
satisfaction. 

"If I were to say to my father, 'I will give you 



244 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Le Pesant allied to all the savage Nations. 



the head of that great bear,' it would be impossible for 
me to keep my word, and I should be sorry to lie to you. 

" I dare not promise you, my father, to do what you 
demand, because that great bear is allied to all the 
upj>er nations. ISTot that I would fear him if he were 
there alone, for none of us love him, as he is the guilty 
one. But, as he is allied to all the lakes, my father, I 
am troubled about the consequences. As all his allies 
prevented me from making efforts to bring him here, I 
cannot do with him what I would desire. 

"My father — My consolation is that he is old, and 
cannot go far, and when he is dead we shall have no 
more trouble. But while waiting, we promise you to 
listen to him no more. And, if we can appease your 
anger, we will give you our word that he shall not cause 
us to commit any fault. 

"My father, my father — We are your children, we 
are all French ; it is terrible that we must perish for the 
love of our brothers. This is the first fault that we have 
committed — the first fault with which any one can re- 
proach the Outawas. 

"My father — "We have always been friendly to the 
French ; shall we now perish by their hand ? 

" All of us who are here, my father, are chiefs and 
principal men ; we are resolved to do your will. Par- 
don us, our father! We promise you that you shall 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 245 

Fourth Council — Speech of M. Vaudreuil. 

never have sorrow on our account, and that we will have 
no other will than yours." 

Another council was held, June 22, 1707, when the 
governor-general addressed the savages of Michilirnacki- 
nac, as follows : 

"I have thought upon what you replied to me yester- 
day. I am very willing to believe that you cannot de- 
liver to me the head of Le Pesant, as I requested you. 

" Yet his blood is necessary to satisfy me : the death 
of a missionary can be expiated only with blood. 

" I pity you ; for all the nations have seen your fault, 
and are waiting in suspense to hear what satisfaction I 
may require of you. All the nations, therefore, must 
know how penitent you are for your fault, and how sub- 
missive you are to my will. 

" It was at Detroit that you offended me ; it was 
there that you killed Father Recollet and my soldier ; 
and it is there that I wish you to make satisfaction. 
For that purpose, I wish you to carry to M. la Motte 
the two captives, whom you brought here to present 
to me. 

" That I may be certain of your obedience, and that 
all the nations may also witness it, you must not return 
by the great river of the Outawas ; at least, not all of 
you. It is necessary that you, Jean le Blanc, and some 
others, with the captives, should go by the way of the 



246 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Difficulty referred to M. la Motte. 

lakes. I will give you letters to M. la Motte and the 
French, fcr your security. 

" But, by whatever means M. la Motte may settle the 
difficulties which you have made, and also satisfy the 
nations whom, as well as myself, you have offended, I 
will order him not to include Le Pesant in the pardon, 
which, perhaps, he may grant you on my account. 

" I will agree to any settlement that M. la Motte may 
be able to make between you and the other nations, if 
Le Pesant be not included. I am very willing to grant 
you a general amnesty of all the past. Jean le Blanc, 
behold the open door ! see that you make use of it ! 

" The necklace which you gave me yesterday, I return 
to you. When you have done what I have commanded 
yon, and when La Motte has found means by which to 
grant you the pardon of your fault, and to settle the 
affair with those nations whom you have attacked, bring 
back the necklace to me by the way of the lakes or the 
great river. Both these ways will be open to you, in 
case I shall myself confirm the pardon which may have 
been granted you in my name. When the necklace is 
returned, I will willingly forget your fault. But if you 
all, Outawas of Michilimackinac, do not give me this 
proof of obedience, you have every thing to fear from 
my just resentment. 

" Father Marest has informed me that he intends to 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 247 

Outawas caused their own Afflictions. 

bring me some captives to satisfy his brothers, the Iro- 
quois, and that he would come down now, but for that. 
I charge thee, only thee, Brochet, to tell him that I de- 
pend upon his word. 

" As to the complaint that you make against the Hu- 
rons, it is not they who have killed you, it is yourselves. 
If the Outawas had not attacked the Miamis, as you did, 
without cause, the Huron nation would still be our ally, 
Father Recollet would be living, and you would be at 
Detroit enjoying an abundance, and not in misery, as 
you now are. 

" Jean le Blanc, M. la Motte knowing what you have 
told me, has invited you to go and see him ; profit by 
the good opinion which he has of you. 

" Although you have offended me in the most tender 
point, having plunged the poniard into my bosom, you 
see that I yet have pity for you, by furnishing you the 
means of settling the difficulty which you have made. 
Outawas, profit by my pity 1 

" I have given my orders to M. la Motte, to remember 
all who are here present — Outawas, Kiskakons, Sinagos, 
you of the Nations du Sable, and of the Fourche. 

" Remember, all of you, the word which I gave you 
yesterday, no longer to recognize Le Pesant in any thing, 
and to regard him in future as a decayed, rotten mem- 
ber, and separated from your body. 



248 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Last Council — Chiefs express Submission. 

" Remember that you have promised me to make no 
more trouble, and never to give me cause of sorrow. 

" Outawas ! the blood of the French is of value ; re- 
member well all my words !" 

The last council of this long session was held on the 
23d of June, and to the clear statement of the terms and 
conditions of peace made by the governor-general, Jean 
la Blanc replied : 

" My father — I am sorry that M. Bourmont is not here 
to give you his statement, as I do mine. I believe he is 
ashamed, since he has not come, like me, to tell you his 
story. 

" My father, my father — I beg you to listen to me ; 
and you, interpreters, take good care that you forget 
nothing, and that you correctly interpret what I shall 
say unto you. 

" Last year, when I arrived at Michilimackinac, I said 
to Father Marest, that I should die for the loss of my 
father. But when I saw the little Fox arrive, I said to 
him that I no longer feared any thing; for my father 
had called me, and I was going to offer him my body. 

" My father — I see plainly that my complexion is not 
to your liking. I go to obey your will. I go to find M. 
la Motte, and to die with my brother, Father Recollet. 

"My father — I am a child of obedience ; I go to De- 
troit. I have already said to you that I will deliver to 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 249 

Jean le Blanc desires an Envoy. 

you my body. I am going to Detroit, and from there I 
will go to Michilimackinac, in order to make smooth the 
old way. I will do your will, my father ; and, since I 
do what you require of me, I beg you to grant me what 
I ask of you. 

" My father — "We have not yet determined who are to 
go to Detroit with me ; I have brought them here, that 
you may decide. My father, I obey your will. 

" My father — Our people will be in trouble about me. 
When I departed they came to see me, in great distress 
lest I should never return. I beg you, since I obey you, 
to send one of your chief men to assure them that I have 
only gone to do your will. 

" I ask this, my father, because the boat that goes by 
the great river will reach Michilimackinac sooner than 
I shall ; and when he shall say to the people that I have 
gone to see La Motte, the old men will send a boat to 
inform the other nations, and to explain to them the ob- 
ject of my journey. 

" The Sacs, the Malominies, the Mascoutins, the Kick- 
apoos, the Outagamies, and the Pottawatomies, are peo- 
ple who will like to hear the good news. They are our 
allies, and are those to whom our old men will give no- 
tice, that the land may be united. 

" I came to bring you my body. I have always be- 
lieved that I should not return by the same route that I 



250 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Refusal of the Request — Council terminated. 

came. My design has always been, after having seen 
you, to go to see M. la Motte. 

" My father, rny father — M. la Motte has acted like 
the porcupine ; he would not go to see his little ones. 
He called us — the four Outawa nations — to Detroit ; but, 
after having made an opening in the tree, as does the 
porcupine to give food to her children, he left us. If he, 
or M. Tonti, or M. la Forest, had been at Detroit, all 
this trouble would not have happened. 

" My father — I beg you to send by the great river, a 
man who will be attentive to our interests ; and to give 
me an interpreter who understands me well, that I may 
not be wearied by the way. Give me also men strong 
and swift, that we may go the quicker." 

This request for an envoy was well understood by the 
governor-general, as a mere subterfuge of the savages 
to enable them to get possession of a French hostage for 
their own security. Aware that a discussion of the sub- 
ject and a continuation of the councils, could not be pro- 
ductive of any good, he merely replied to the chiefs that 
he had no envoy to give them, and that they were now 
perfectly aware of his wishes. 

With assurances of protection on his part, and fidelity 
'nd submission on theirs, the council was dismissed. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The chiefs proceed to Detroit — First council held by M. la Motte, August 
6th, 1707 — M. la Motte addresses the savages — Second council : Oton- 
tagon replies — Third council : M. la Motte addresses the Hurons and 
Miainis — Sastarexy replies — Fourth council : a general council of the 
Outawas, Hurons, and Miamis — M. la Motte's speech — Otontagon, 
Sastarexy, and Onaske address the council — M. la Motte demands the 
delivery of Le Pesant into the hands of the French — The chiefs finally 
accede to the demand. 

Obedient to the orders of the governor-general, Jean 
le Blanc, Kinonge, Meaninan, and Menekoumak, four 
chiefs of the Outawas, proceeded to Detroit, to meet M. 
la Motte. The remainder of their party returned to 
Michilimackinac by way of the Ottawa river. 

On the arrival of the chiefs at Fort Pontchartrain, a 
great council was convened, August 6th, 1707, and con- 
tinued from day to day until August 10th. 

M. la Motte Cadillac, who had been fully acquitted by 
Count Pontchartrain of all the charges preferred against 
him, and restored to his official station as commandant, 
was now convinced, by the course pursued by M. Vau- 
dreuil, that it was deemed expedient by the colonial gov- 
ernment to wear, at least, the appearance of friendship. 

Gratified at the favorable change, whatever might be 



252 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Chiefs arrive at Detroit — Council. 

the motives, he brought all the energy of his mind and 
the fruit of his long experience to bear upon the adjust- 
ment of this difficult and important affair. 

Adapting his mode of expression to the customs of the 
savages, he oj)ened the first council with the following 
characteristic speech : 

" Otontagon, Kinonge, and others, hear me patiently. 
I will not repeat the words you have said to Onontio, nor 
his replies ; you know as well as I what they were. 

" M. Yaudreuil writes me that he sends you here with 
the two captives you offered him. He makes me master 
of peace, and leaves the whole matter with me, telling 
me to use whatever means I think best to restore tran- 
quillity to the nations. 

" Otontagon, hear me ! I have lighted a great fire. I 
have planted four great trees near this beautiful fire, two 
on my right hand and two on my left. 

" Outawas ! you are the largest tree : I have said to 
myself, ' It is well : now I will often repose under the 
shadow of this tree : I will refresh myself there : under 
its shadow I shall have only good thoughts !' 

" Could I believe that any one had attached to the top 
of this great tree a sharp and heavy hatchet, which I did 
not see, because it was covered with foliage'? 

" While I slept peacefully, and dreamed only of peace, 
a wicked bear climbed to the top of this tree. He shook 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 253 

Speech of M. la Motte— Demands Le Pesant 

it -with all his might, and the hatchet which hung there 
fell upon my cabin, and crushed it. 

" "When I saw my cabin in ruins, my heart was dis- 
pleased ; it darted to the right and to the left ; it ascended 
even to my throat. I then said, ' I will cut down this 
tree, I will root it out, I will reduce it to ashes.' But 
when my heart had nearly regained its place, I said, 
* Why destroy this tree, its leaves, and its fruits ? I pity 
the women and children. This drunken bear has done 
all the mischief; he has intoxicated all the children ; he 
has deprived them of their senses. He must die, and I 
must give the others life.' 

" Outawas ! listen well to my final resolution. I de- 
mand that you deliver to me Le Pesant, he whom you 
call the wicked bear ; that you place him at my disposal 
here in this place where he has offended me. I wish 
you to give me full power over him, to give him life or 
to put him to death. 

" If he refuses to embark, I command you to cut off 
his head in your own village. This is the only means by 
which I can give you peace. I do not kill him, but he 
kills himself. 

" Outawas! avoid the perils which threaten you! 
Save your own lives ! Have pity on your women and 
children! Nothing can make me change my deter- 
mination. It is your business ; attend to it ! Deliberate 



25i EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Second Council — Speech of Otoutagon. 

among yourselves ; decide on the course you will pur- 
sue, and give me a reply in a few words, before the 
going down of the sun. 

" Onontio and I have one heart, and the same thoughts. 
Those that say differently of us are liars ; he will confirm 
all I do, whether for peace or war." 

A second council was held in the afternoon of the 
same day. Otontagon's speech : 

" My father — We are surprised at your require- 
ments. The bear whom you demand of us is very 
powerful in our village. He has strong alliances with 
all the nations of the lakes. He is a great tree ! Who 
is strong enough to root it up ? 

" We have thought on this subject ; it is difficult ; but 
as nothing can move you, and as your heart is hard as a 
rock, we must obey you. We only beg of you to spare 
us the pain of bringing him to you ourselves. Send a 
boat with us to Michilimackinac, and we will put Le 
Pesant into it, as you demand ; and you will be master 
of his life or of his death. If he refuse to embark, we 
will cut off his head. He is my brother, my own 
brother ; but what can I do ? You must be obeyed, and 
this is what you have demanded, and what we have de- 
cided among ourselves." 

M. la Motte immediately replied : 

" By this means you will have peace ; your women 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 255 

Third Council— Hurons and Miamis. 

and children will rejoice, and I will forget the mischief 
yon have done me." 

The third council was held August 7th. M. la Motte 
addressed the Hurons and Miamis : 

" Sastarexy ! Miamis, listen to me ! I have promised 
you that I would never make peace with the Outawas, 
except by the death of Le Pesant, because I have always 
regarded him as the author of all the mischief which has 
been done here. You have said that you would be con- 
tent with this satisfaction. 

" I have demanded Le Pesant of the Outawas, and 
they have given me a favorable reply." 

La Motte then repeated to the Hurons and Miamis 
the proceedings in the councils held with the Outawas. 

Reply of Sastarexy, chief of the Hurons : 

"My father — Let us say to you that we cannot be- 
lieve that the. Outawas will do what they have promised ; 
for who is he that can overturn so great a tree, whose 
roots, they themselves say, are so deep in the earth, and 
whose branches extend over all the lakes ? There is meat 
here, why go farther to seek it ? One is certain, the other 
uncertain." 

M. la Motte's rejoinder : 

" You have always told me that you would be satis- 
fied if Le Pesant were destroyed. I have promised you 
that it shall be done. The more difficult the thing ap- 



256 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Fourth Council — All the Nations. 

pears, the more it will convince you of the great power 
of Onontio and myself, and that nothing can resist the 
might of the French." 

The fourth council was held August 7th — a general 
council of the Outawas, Hurons, and Miamis. M. la 
Motte's speech : 

" Otontagon, and all the Outawas, listen to me : 

" Here are the Hurons and Miamis who listen to the 
French, and who regard us. I have related to them the 
proposition I have made to you, and your replies, and 
the promise you have given to do me a favor. 

" Otontagon, you who bear the words of your people, 
relate to the Hurons and Miamis what you have decided 
in regard to Le Pesant." 

Otontagon replied : 

" If I were not in the presence of my father, I should 
"be angry, because our brothers, the Hurons, take us for 
liars ; and you also, Miamis, our allies. 

"We are a people strong and resolute ; it were to be 
wished that Le Pesant were here present ; I would my- 
self immediately cut off his head, and he should not 
again see the light ! It is enough that La Motte requires 
a thing; he never changes his mind, and can we 
change ?" 

Reply of Sastarexy, the Huron : 

" My father — For a long time the Outawas have con- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 257 

Captives offered to the Hurons and Miamis. 

turned to kill us. They have always said to us, wait, 
wait ! I beg you to render us justice. Our chiefs have 
been killed; they are yet extended, bleeding, on the 
ground." 

La Motte then brought forward a captive, whom he 
offered to the Hurons, saying : 

" Sastarexy, my son, here is a little meat, which I give 
you to resuscitate the dead. I do not say it will entirely 
restore them. As soon as the Outawas have made the 
satisfaction which I have demanded of them, I will throw 
water upon the earth, and that will wash it. I will so 
entirely cover the blood, that it shall appear no longer." 

He also presented a captive to the Miamis, addressing 
them in like manner. The Miamis made the following 
answer : 

" My father — I have already said that Pakoumakoua 
was to come to hear and answer you. He has fallen 
sick ; but he said to us, ' My children, go and see what 
your father wishes, and return and bring us the news.' 

" I will say to the old men, that it is well ; that peace 
is made. I beg of you that I may leave this meat here 
till the old men shall come ; they may take it them- 
selves, if they think proper. For me, I can decide on 
nothing ; I came here only to hear." 

The news brought to Michilimackinac, by the Outa- 
was who returned from Quebec by way of the Outawa 

17 



258 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Reception of the Kiskakons at Detroit. 

river, created the utmost consternation among the tribes 
concerned in the difficulty. After consulting together, 
and asking the advice of Father Marest, their mission- 
ary, Onaske and Koutaouiliboe, two chiefs of the Kiska- 
kons, resolved to descend to Detroit, under the protection 
of a flag of truce, and add their influence to conciliate 
M. la Motte, whose resolute character was well known. 
They arrived on the 8th of August, in the midst of the 
councils, very much to the surprise of all parties. Their 
white flag was respected, and they were admitted into 
the council. The manner of their reception may be in- 
ferred from the colloquy which took place between M. 
la Motte and Onaske : 

"What brings you here, Onaske? Did Onontio tell 
you to come ? Is peace made ? Are we friends ? Am 
I avenged ?" 

Onaske replied : " My father, you have long known 
me ; I go everywhere with my head lifted up, because I 
never have any bad affairs. I said within myself, M. la 
Motte, my father, knows me; I believe I risk nothing in 
going to see him. I have confidence in him." 

M. la Motte. " How dare you say that you never have 
bad affairs ; that you never make war ? Your people, 
your nation, did they not come to Detroit to aid the Outa- 
was, who have killed me ? I think you are very bold 
to come here, while my land is still smoking with my 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 259 

Continuance of the Indian Councils. 

blood and that of my children. When people grow old, 
they usually grow wise ; but you have grown foolish. 
Tell me, then, your real design in coming here ; you 
must have other reasons than those you have given. 
Speak I" 

Onaske immediately responded: "It is the misery 
in which I am, that has caused me to throw myself into 
your arms. "We are wretched. Our children have eaten 
grass all summer; they are compelled to boil it and 
drink the soup ! Misery is a strange thing ! 

" I have risked every thing, even death ! Death, did 
I say ? I will die by the hand of my father ; perhaps he 
will have pity on me. We shall have no Indian corn 
this year, and our children will all die! But for me, 
the whole nation would have come to Detroit ; but I said 
to them, be patient and await my return." 

La Motte, assuming an appearance of great displeas- 
ure, exclaimed : " If you die of famine, so much the 
better ! You have killed my children — you have struck 
me — and Heaven punishes you for it. I will soon other- 
wise avenge myself. Go away ; you are very bold !" 

The next day, August 9th, La Motte held a council 
with the Hurons, and related to them the proceedings of 
the previous day, in the council with the Kiskakons. He 
then addressed Sastarexy, the Huron orator, as follows : 

" Sastarexy, my son, I have never had any thing con- 



260 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Speech of Sastarexy — Professes obedience. 



cealed from you ; my heart has always been yours, even 
to the palm of my hand. I beg you now to tell me your 
thoughts ; not entirely — I am satisfied if you only show 
me what are your designs ; whether for peace or for w r ar. 
Open your heart to me to-day." 

After some deliberation, Sastarexy replied : 

" My father — We have always told you that we would 
follow your footsteps ; you shall always be our guide. 
"We are your obedient children ; we are under your pro- 
tection. You have given us a good land, and you were 
under many obligations to do so. Nothing can induce 
us to leave this land, and we will never disobey your 
wishes. Make peace or make war, we will approve of 
whatever you do ; it is not for a good child to find fault 
with what his father does. We have all confidence in 
you." 

M. la Motte. " I thank you, Sastarexy. It is true that 
formerly the Outawa was my eldest son ; but since then 
he has removed his fire from here, and committed an 
enormous disobedience. If he returns to his duty, he 
shall be my younger son. 

"And you, Hurons, congratulate yourselves that to- 
day, by your obedience, you have taken the place of 
your elder brother in my heart and in my favor. Con- 
gratulate yourselves in having profited by a goodly 
heritage." 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 261 

General Council — La Motte's terms accepted. 

The last council was held by M. la Motte Cadillac, 
with the four Outawa chiefs from Montreal, and the two 
chiefs of the Kiskakons from Michilimackinac. M. la 
Motte first addressed the Outawa chief, Otontagon : 

"You, Kinonge, and the other chiefs, are well in- 
formed of my resolution, and you know the promise you 
have made me. Upon the fulfillment of that promise 
depends the peace which you desire. Onaske! Kou- 
taouiliboe ! listen while Otontagon tells you the result of 
the councils, and decide what you will do. 

" Have pity on your children, who have eaten grass 
all summer, and for whom you have felt such tenderness 
that you were willing to risk your life by coming here." 

Otontagon then tremblingly related, in a few words, 
the demand of M. la Motte, and the engagement into 
which they had entered for its accomplishment. 

Onaske immediately replied : " I thank you, my broth- 
ers, Otontagon, and all the Outawa chiefs. It is very 
true that this affair is of great importance ; but our fa- 
ther, M. la Motte, demands Le Pesant's life; if he 
wishes, it must be so. I know my father, and he 
knows me ; when he wishes a thing, it must be done ; 
he does not change his mind. In this I agree with 
him. 

" Otontagon, my nephew, Le Pesant is your flesh ; 
Kinonge is also your flesh. Be firm ; it is just- that this 



262 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Chiefs dismissed with Threats and Promises. 

dog, who has bitten both of us to the bone, should be 
destroyed. 

"Who can effect any thing in my nation but me? I 
speak in the hearing of Manitouabe, of Koutaouiliboe, 
of Sakima, and of Nanakouena. I am strong! I thank 
my father for having declared to me his thought. I 
thank you, my brothers, for the promise you have made 
him. We must either keep it, and live in peace, or die !" 

La Motte then remarked : " I had resolved to cause 
your furs to be taken away ; I would not have given you 
even a bone to gnaw, and you should have had nothing 
to support your children. But, on account of your words, 
I allow you to trade, and to take away with you what 
will be necessary for your subsistence ; but do not abuse 
my kindness. 

" If you fail to fulfill your promise, you will fall into 
greater misery than before. I shall have dull ears for- 
ever, and will never again entertain thoughts of peace. 
Tell your people that peace will be concluded only when 
the satisfaction which I demand shall be rendered ; and 
until then, they must come here no more. 

" After the surrender of Le Pesant, you may all come 
with a high head ; I will smooth the way." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Outawas and Kiskakons return to Michilimackinac — M. St. Pierre and 
soldiers from Detroit accompany them — Grand council convened — 
Difficulties settled — Le Pesant delivered up — Sent under guard to 
Detroit — M. St. Pierre returns to Quebec with Koutaouiliboe and 
Sakima — They arrive at Quebec, October 7th, 1707 — Council convened 
— Speech of Koutaouiliboe, giving a minute statement of affairs at 
Detroit and Michilimackinac — Second council, governor-general's 
reply — Dismisses the chiefs with presents — Letter from the governor- 
general to Father Marest, missionary at Michilimackinac. 

Finding themselves compelled to accept the terms of 
M. la Motte, the chiefs of the Outawas and Kiskakons 
returned to Michilimackinac, accompanied by M. St. 
Pierre. On their arrival a grand council was held by 
the French envoy and the surrounding nations, which 
had been gathered by the instrumentality of Koutaou- 
iliboe. All difficulties were satisfactorily adjusted, and 
Le Pesant was delivered into the custody of the soldiers 
sent from Detroit for that purpose. 

M. St. Pierre, whose mission was accomplished, im- 
mediately set out on his return to Quebec, accompanied 
by Koutaouiliboe, chief of the Kiskakons, and Sakima, 
chief of the Sinagos. These chiefs were charged with a 
letter to the governor-general from Father Marest, mis- 
sionary at Michilimackinac. They arrived at Quebec, 



264 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 

Speech of Koutaouiliboe in Council at Quebec. 

October Yth., 1707. In a council held soon after their 
arrival, Koutaouiliboe gave the following minute account 
of the proceedings at Detroit and Michilimackinac : 

" My father — Sakima and I have finally arrived before 
you, to show you how obedient we are to your orders, 
and to inform you of all that has occurred at Michili- 
mackinac and Detroit during the past summer. 

" My father — When we sent Jean le Blanc and the 
other chiefs from Michilimackinac to appease your 
anger, they promised to use the utmost diligence to re- 
turn, as we were waiting very impatiently to know your 
will. But you thought proper to send Jean le Blanc and 
the principal chiefs to Detroit. As soon as the rest of 
the party, who came by the great river, arrived at Mich- 
ilimackinac, they gave us an account of their voyage, 
and told us that M. St. Pierre, whom you had sent with 
Jean le Blanc to Detroit, was to return by the way of 
Michilimackinac and speak to the nations. 

"I rose up then, my father — for you know I have 
always had a French heart — and demanded of the young 
men, as well as the old, whether they were all asleep, 
and if they did not understand the news which was 
brought to them from Montreal. ' What,' said I, ' M. St. 
Pierre in Detroit, and coming this way to speak to the 
nations, and you pay not the least attention to the word 
of your father ! Go, young men, bear this news to the 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 265 



Arrival at Detroit— Reception by M. St. Pierre. 



Sauteurs, the Noquens, the Folle-Avoines, the Pottawa- 
tornies, the Sacs, the Pucms, and the Outagamies — that 
on the arrival of M. St. Pierre he may find them all 
here, that nothing may retard the will of Onontio.' We 
waited long, and St. Pierre did not come ; then I said 
to the old men, ' "What does this mean ? Can it be that 
some accident has befallen M. St. Pierre, and thus the 
message of our father is delayed ? I will go to Detroit 
to meet M. St. Pierre, and if he has not arrived I will 
wait for him.' 

" My father — When I arrived at Detroit I found M. 
St. Pierre acting as interpreter for M. la Motte. He 
demanded of me, in an angry tone, where I was going. 
My heart was frozen by the manner in which M. St. 
Pierre spoke to me, when I had come to Detroit only on 
good business, and had left Michilimackinac only to be 
sooner informed of the will of my father. The next day 
M. la Motte sent me word by M. St. Pierre, that I might 
return with Onaske, if I wished, but the women and 
children, and all my peltries, must remain till affairs 
should be settled. I replied to M. la Motte, that the 
business on which Onontio had sent M. St. Pierre was 
important, but my peltries were of no consequence ; that 
as I had come to Detroit in good faith, if he would not 
let me barter them there, I could easily carry them back 
again. 



266 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Conference between Jean le Blanc and Koutaouiliboe. 

" My father — When I saw that M. la Motte would not 
receive my furs, I was convinced that something had 
been concealed from me ; for our people had told us, on 
their return from Michilimackinac, that you, my father, 
had demanded the head of Le Pesant. I then asked 
Jean le Blanc why the Kiskakons, being French, were 
not permitted to trade at Detroit, while the Outawas, 
who had caused all the trouble, had entire freedom. He 
told me he was very glad to see me, and would hide 
nothing from me. He said that you, Onontio, had de- 
manded the head of Le Pesant to atone for the blood of 
Father Eecollet. Not being quite able to promise you 
full satisfaction — because this wicked bear was like a 
great tree, having such strong roots that it was difficult 
to tear it up — Onontio had sent him to Detroit to meet 
M. la Motte in council, that they might find means to 
give satisfaction to Onontio, and make peace with the 
other nations. But La Motte, who, in Detroit, was 
another Onontio, sternly demanded Le Pesant as the 
only satisfaction, and he had finally concluded to sur- 
render him. 

" The next day Otontagon and Kinonge, or, as you call 
them, Jean le Blanc and Brochet, Onaske and I, met M. 
la Motte in council, and we all promised to deliver up 
Le Pesant to M. la Motte ; and I told them if Le Pesant 
would not come to Detroit, I would cut off his head in 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 267 

St. Pierre and Chiefs arrive at Michilimackinac. 

our own village. M. la Motte then told me that I might 
trade with my furs. "What, then, was his thought ? Did 
M. la Motte suppose that, by retaining my furs, he would 
cause me the sooner to execute his will ? Does he not 
know that interest is nothing to me, but that I am always 
obedient to my father? I told M. la Motte that Le Pe- 
sant was not our relative, therefore it was for Jean le 
Blanc and Kinonge to deliver him up. As for us, we 
should always be ready to give them all the help they 
might need. It was enough for us that we were doing 
the will of Onontio. 

"In the evening M. la Motte told us that M. St. Pierre 
would depart for Michilimackinac on the morrow, and it 
would be best for us to embark and follow his flag, as 
there were three bands of Miamis who might easily at- 
tack us on the way. When M. St. Pierre drew near 
Michilimackinac, he said that he would not land — he 
would only draw his boat upon the sand, and Le Pesant 
must be delivered to him immediately, or have his head 
broken. I replied: 'My brother — "What you say is of 
value; but all men have not the heart placed alike, 
hence business is not always as quickly done as one 
might wish. Although we have given our word to 
Onontio and M. la Motte, this affair is of the utmost im- 
portance, and we cannot be too cautious in our move- 
ments in regard to it. When M. Louvigny came to take 



268 EARLY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 

General Council of the Northwestern Tribes. 

away the Iroquois, he found it necessary that he should 
know all hearts, and listen patiently to all the reasons.' 

" I need not tell you all that took place ; but on land- 
ing, M. St. Pierre found that the young men whom I 
sent out before going to Detroit had notified the nations, 
and there were assembled the Kiskakons, the Sinagos, 
the nations of the Sable and Fourche, the Sauteurs, the 
Noquets, the Folle-Avoines, the Pottawatomies, the Sacs, 
the Puans, and the Outagamies. They had come to 
meet M. St. Pierre in council, having forgotten all their 
old quarrels between themselves, and meeting together 
as real brothers. 

"Three days after our arrival, when the distant na- 
tions had departed for their homes, we brought this 
affair of Le Pesant into the council. We had not dared 
to speak of it while the nations were assembled, as he is 
allied to almost all of them. I will boldly say to you, 
my father, that it was Onaske, Sakima, Meyagila, and I, 
the chiefs of the Kiskakons and Sinagos, who obliged Le 
Pesant to embark for Detroit to meet M. la Motte, ac- 
cording to your wish. If there had been only Jean le 
Blanc, he would never have dared attack this great tree. 
But your children of Michilimackinac were all resolved 
to break his head if he would not embark, rather than 
to see ourselves, for the love of him, exposed to your 
anger. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 269 

Spec-ch of M. Vaudreuil — Le Pesant— La Motte. 

" My father— Our fear is that M. la Motte will not put 
Le Pesant to death ; and that, remembering that we de- 
livered him up, he will seek to avenge himself. 

" My father — Sakima begs that you will pardon him 
for not having brought with him captives to offer to his 
brothers the Iroquois. He would not have come down 
now, if the desire of testifying to you his obedience had 
not overcome his fear that you would reproach him for 
having failed to fulfill his promise. He renews that 
promise to you, my father, and you will not have cause 
to complain of him." 

The next day the council was again convened, and the 
governor-general replied as follows : 

" Koutaouiliboe — I have learned from the account 
you gave me yesterday, also from M. St. Pierre, and 
from the letters of M. la Motte, all that has occurred at 
Michilimackinac and Detroit in regard to Le Pesant, 
that bear who has made trouble for so long a time. I 
am glad that my children at Michilimackinac have at 
last opened their eyes to their own interest; and that 
according to my will they have sent to M. la Motte the 
only obstacle that prevented my making a solid peace 
with them. 

" At Detroit, M. la Motte is another myself, as he has 
my orders, and I am persuaded that he will follow them 
in every point, and that, having Le Pesant in his hands, 



270 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Expre sions of kind feeling — Peace — General orders. 



he will dispose of liim as sliall be necessary to promote a 
lasting peace. 

" I am glad to see you here. I always knew that 
Koutaouiliboe had a good mind and a French heart, and 
I have for him a real esteem. I have not the less for 
Sakima, although he has not brought me by this voyage 
the captives he promised, to give to his brothers the 
Iroquois. I will not speak of it, however, on condition 
that he will send them to me as soon as possible next 
year, that the Iroquois may not reproach me with telling 
a lie, and seeking to deceive them. 

" I will not detain you, my children ; the season is 
far advanced, depart when you please. Carry to your 
brothers the good news that peace is made ; that by 
their obedience in sending Le Pesant to M. la Motte, 
they have entirely disarmed my anger. 

" You can now go to Detroit and come to Montreal ; 
these two doors are open to you ; only remember all your 
life, and tell it to all your nation, that the blood of the 
French is valuable, and the people who in future shall 
shed it shall not have my pardon, unless they bring me 
the head of him who has committed the deed. I am 
very glad that all the nations were assembled to meet 
M. St. Pierre, and that you were united, as real brothers 
ought to be. Continue in sentiments that are so advan- 
tageous to you; and since the country is once more 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 271 

Deputation dismissed with Presents. 

united, take care to do nothing in future that might dis- 
turb its quiet. Always listen to my words, and to what 
M. la Motte shall say in my name, when you are at De- 
troit, and listen also to Father Marest, when he shall 
carry you my message. As you all have the French 
heart, I recommend Father Marest to your protection, 
that you prevent any insult being offered him. On your 
arrival at Montreal, I will cause two blankets to be given 
each of you ; also powder and balls, tobacco, and provi- 
sions sufficient for your journey. They will also give you 
ten pounds of tobacco to carry to Father Marest. Be 
careful always to remember what I have said to you." 

On the return of Koutaouiliboe and Sakima to Michi- 
limackinac, M. Yauclreuil sent the subjoined letter to 
Father Marest. It shows the perfect understanding 
which existed between them, and in some respects con- 
firms the statements of M. la Motte : 

" Rev. Father : — I received your letter of the 8th of 
September by M. St. Pierre, who arrived here the 7th 
of this month with Koutaouiliboe, Sakima, and another 
young man. I have showed many attentions to Kouta- 
ouiliboe ; and you will see by my reply to them in coun- 
cil, of which I send you a copy, that I expressed myself 
well pleased with the conduct of the Outawas in sending 
Xe Pesant to M. la Motte. 



272 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Letter from the Governor-general to Father Maresu 

" What you say of Jean le Blanc gives me much 
pleasure, though M. St. Pierre endeavored to make me 
suspicious of him. I hardly believe, after what I have 
said to him, and what he has promised, that he will, in 
future, make any trouble. I believe he will do his best 
to settle this difficulty with M. la Motte. 

"As the court wishes the establishment of Detroit, 
that, of course, is also my pleasure ; and it is for M. la 
Motte to decide whether it will be more advantageous 
to his post to have the Outawas return there, or to allow 
them to remain at Michilimackinac. 

" Although M. Pontchartrain found fault with you for 
being absent two years from your mission at Michili- 
mackinac, he, at the same time, signified to me that his 
majesty wished the permanent settlement of Detroit by 
the French, and that the savages should also be estab- 
lished there. It is therefore necessary to allow them 
very great liberty on this point, that they may not com- 
plain that they have been retained ; and that M. la Motte 
also, may not report to the court that the savages have 
been in any way prevented from coming to establish 
themselves at his post. 

" I was interested in your account of the assembling 
of the different nations at Michilimackinac, awaiting the 
arrival of M. St. Pierre. He also spoke of it. I am 
very glad affairs have so terminated that they, at least 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 273 

Approves of the Council of Nations — Disposal of Le Pesant. 

in appearance, have separated good friends. If they 
come to Montreal next year, as you inform me they pro- 
pose to do, I will use every means in my power to estab- 
lish a permanent peace. I shall also inform Ounkima- 
vendelle, that he must keep himself quiet if he wishes to 
gain my favor and to render himself respectable. I am 
glad you gave two pounds of powder to the chief of the 
Sacs ; if he comes here, I will assure him that a man 
who enjoys your approbation is certain of my favor. You 
know, Reverend Father, that hitherto I have paid atten- 
tion to all those whom you have recommended to me. 

" I agree with you, Reverend Father, that the affair 
of Le Pesant is one of the most important that has ever 
occurred in the upper country. I have always regarded 
it as such. Whether M. la Motte causes him to be put 
to death, or not, I am persuaded that there is nothing to 
fear for you, since it is by their own act that the Outawas 
delivered him to M. St. Pierre, in order that M. d'Argen- 
teuil might take him to Detroit. They have thereby 
submitted to whatever might occur. 

" I have noticed, Reverend Father, what you spoke of 

in regard to H. la Motte's accusing you of being the 

cause of the quarrel that occurred at Detroit ; and that 

you returned to your mission, well aware that you would 

find, on your arrival, not only the Outawas of Michili- 

mackinac, but also those of Detroit. 

18 



274 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Assures the Missionary of justification at Court. 

" M. Baudot and myself will render to you, at court, 
the justice you deserve ; and if M. la JVlotte has no other 
affront or grievance against you, it will not be very diffi- 
cult to destroy what he may advance in regard to this 
matter. I exhort you to live on good terms with him as 
far as possible : the service of the king, and even the 
advancement of your mission, depending very much on 
the good understanding between the officers of the upper 
country and the missionaries. 

" I cannot give you any definite orders in regard to 
the course you are to pursue, if your savages leave the 
mission ; I think, however, that while awaiting the orders 
of the court, if they go to Detroit or elsewhere, you can- 
not do better than to go with them. ' I cannot see, Rev- 
erend Father, what inconvenience you will experience 
by writing to me your sentiments upon what passes 
above ; I need the information, and it seems to me, if 
any one ought to be well informed concerning what is 
passing at Michilimackinac, it is you. 

" Say to Rev. Father Chardon that I am very glad he 
has resolved to continue at his mission. 

" Our vessels have not yet arrived, therefore I can 
send you by this opportunity only ten pounds of powder, 
which I beg you to share with Onaske, and such others 
as you think fit. I will also send you ten pounds of 
black tobacco, if it is to be found in Montreal, in part 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 275 

Chiefs receive Presents from the Governor-general. 

payment of the twenty pounds that M. St. Pierre was to 
remit to you. 

" I have given to Koutaouiliboe, Sakiina, and the 
young man who came with them, each a coat, a calico 
shirt, some provisions, and powder and balls, for their 
return journey ; and to each of the first two, a blanket. 
The season being so far advanced, I apprehend that they 
may not be able to reach you, therefore this prevents 
me from sending you any thing more by thern. I am, 
with all possible consideration, 

"Rev. Father, 

" Yours, &c." 



CHAPTER XV. 

M. la Motte pardons Le Pesant — Dissatisfaction of the Miamis— They 
demand vengeance upon Le Pesant — Kill three Frenchmen and com- 
mit other depredations — Hivrons and Iroquois raise war-parties to at- 
tack the French — M. la Motte complains that it is Jesuitical influence 
which occasions these disturbances — Asks for a re-enforcement of 
troops and a better fort — Advises the destruction of Fort Frontenac — 
Thinks a new fort below Fort Frontenac wovdd afford better protec- 
tion to the passage to Detroit and Montreal — Complains of the Cou- 
reurs des Bois — Inspection of the several posts by M. d' Aigrement — He 
remains nineteen days at Detroit — Accuses M. la Motte of tyranny — 
Measures the valuable lands at Fort Pontchartrain — Only twenty-nine 
of the inhabitants landholders — Taxes — Asserts that the mainte- 
nance of Detroit must be prejudicial to all Canada — Trouble at Detroit 
with the Miamis — Detailed account — Proceeds to Michilimackinac — 
Considers it an important post — Describes its location and advantages 
— Urges the necessity of sending a commandant with a good garrison 
— Approves of the " permits." 

Unfortunately for the settlement at Detroit, M. la 
Motte was induced to pardon Le Pesant. This injudi- 
cious leniency provoked the Miamis, who accused M. la 
Motte of a breach of contract. They demanded ven- 
geance upon Le Pesant. Finding that their wishes were 
entirely disregarded, they killed three Frenchmen, and 
committed other depredations in the vicinity of Detroit. 

M. la Motte was making preparations to avenge him- 
self, when he received intelligence that the Hurons and 



EAELT HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 277 

Treaty with the Miamis— Difficulties with the Jesuits. 

Iroquois had raised war-parties to come and massacre all 
the French. This new danger, from an unexpected 
source, induced M. la Motte to effect a treaty of peace 
with the Miamis. The treaty was soon violated by the 
savages. M. la Motte then marched against them with 
a large force, and compelled them to offer terms of sub- 
mission. 

These frequent outbreaks on the part of the savages, 
were not the only difficulties in the way of the comman- 
dant of Fort Pontchartrain. The old feud between the 
Jesuits and Franciscans, though smothered by the stern 
command of government, was not forgotten. 

Jesuitical intrigue was often apparent, not only in the 
violation of treaties on the part of the savages, but also 
in the disaffection of the French ; and to counter-plot suc- 
cessfully, required the utmost exercise of M. La Motte's 
ingenuity. ' Of this he complains, in a letter to Count 
Pontchartrain. A summary of the letter is preserved in 
the Colonial Archives at Paris, from which the following 
extract is taken. It is dated Detroit, Sept. 15, 1708. 

" La Motte still complains that the Jesuits are so much 
opposed to the establishment of Detroit, that they must 
either leave, or he will abandon the fort ; demanding, 
however, that the government indemnify him, if he 
should leave. 



278 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Summary of a Letter from Cadillac to the Governor-general. 

" He asserts that the Jesuit Fathers have prevented 
the Outawas from coming to Detroit to settle, and offers 
to prove it by a letter written to him by Father Mantet, 
missionary of Michilimacldnac, dated October 23, 1677, 
bnt not received by La Motte until 1707. He says that 
the letter has been written thirty years, yet no one has 
dared to contradict its contents. 

" He also thinks it necessary for the firm establish- 
ment of Detroit, that there should be five or six hundred 
inhabitants, and troops in proportion ; that a good fort of 
earth be made on the site of the present insecure fortifi- 
cation, and a smaller one on the other side of the river, 
directly opposite, as these defenses would certainly make 
the French masters of this passage of the nations. He 
advises to destroy Fort Frontenac, and build another 
twenty-five leagues farther down, at a place named La 
Galette, which would be in every respect a good depot 
between Montreal and Detroit. 

" He says he knows a passage by which a canal could 
easily be constructed to form a connection between Lake 
Erie and Lake Ontario. But he complains that it is im- 
possible for him to accomplish any of his purposes, be- 
cause the great project of the people of Canada is the 
establishment of Michilimackinac, with the permits and 
eoureurs des hois. This proposed re-establishment has 
great allurements for the governor-general, because it 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 279 

Comparative advantage^ of Michilirnackinac and Detroit 

makes him master ot the commerce. If Michilirnackinac 
were abandoned, the savages •would no longer resort to 
Montreal, and, consequently, the governor-general would 
not receive his annual presents from them. All Canada 
regards Detroit as an obstacle to the re-establishment of 
the permits ; hence their opposition to it. 

" He says Michilirnackinac could not sustain itself in 
case of a war with the Iroquois, because it could have 
no communication with Montreal. But Detroit does not 
labor under that embarrassment ; he can go to Montreal 
whenever he wishes, and he can put so many armed 
enemies on the war-path of the Iroquois, whenever it 
pleases him, that they will be glad to leave him in 
repose. 

" After a recapitulation of the plans which he pro- 
posed in 1703, La Motte complains of the many expenses 
which he has been obliged to defray, individually, and 
asks that some provision may be made by government 
for such contingencies. He says he is under no obliga- 
tion to bear the expense of the new fort, which he is 
building at Detroit, nor to erect the church. He offers, 
however, to build the choir of the church, and to give 
the land on which it stands, provided he may have the 
advowson of it. 

" He says if His Majesty is not willing himself to give 
any thing for the nave, he might order the inhabitants 



280 EA.RLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Inspection of the Posts by M. d'Aigrement. 

and merchants to contribute a given sum for that pur- 
pose, and offers to donate five hundred francs as his part." 

A few days prior to the date of M. la Motte's letter to 
Count Pontchartrain, M. d'Aigrement, who had been 
sent by M. Vaudreuil to inspect the several posts on the 
frontier, having spent nineteen days at Detroit, passed 
on to Michilimackinac. On his return, the result of his 
investigations was sent to France. The following tran- 
script gives the other side of the picture : 

u Summary of an inspection of the Posts of Detroit and Michili- 
mackinac, by M. d'Aigrement, dated Quebec, Nov. 14, 1708. 

"M. d'Aigrement left Niagara, June 29, 1708. He 
sailed along the north coast of Lake Erie, a distance of 
ninety leagues, and arrived at Detroit on the 15th of 
July. He remained at Fort Pontchartrain of Detroit 
nineteen days,* and became convinced during his stay 
that M. la Motte Cadillac, who commands there, is gen- 
erally disliked by the French and savages, with the ex- 
ception of three or four of the former, whom he employs 
in his secret trade, and whom he influences more than 

* " La Motte contends that this sojourn was not sufficient to gain any 
correct knowledge of the country. He says that during his stay, they 
did not have two hours conversation together, and that M. d'Aigrement 
made secret inquiries in regard to him, a course well calculated to call 
forth discreditahle remarks from the French and savages." 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 281 



Accuses M. la Motte of Extortion and Tyranny. 



the others. This hatred is in consequence of the tyranny 
which he exercises over the entire settlement. Among 
the many instances which came under his notice, are 
the following : 

" La Motte requires of a blacksmith, named Parent, 
for permission to work at his trade, the sum of six hun- 
dred francs and two hogsheads of ale, and the obligation 
to shoe all the horses of M. la Motte, whatever number 
he may have, though at present he keeps but one. 

" Of a gunsmith named Pinet, he requires three hun- 
dred francs a year, and the repairing of twelve guns per 
month, which makes one hundred and forty -four a year. 
Estimating this work at one pistole per gun, M. la Motte 
draws from the work of these men, seventeen hundred 
and forty francs.* Evidently this state of things cannot 
last long, for they will be obliged to leave Detroit. 

" M. la Motte has caused a windmill to be erected, in 
which he takes the eighth minot as toll, while others 
take only the fourteenth. He gives for his reason, the 
great cost of the mill.f 

c ' " M. la Motte says that he made agreements with these workmen at 
Montreal, when they were in no wise under his control ; that some time 
after their arrival at Detroit, they themselves desired a different com- 
mission — the very one of which they now complain. Besides, the taxes 
that he requires of them are not new, the Company of the Colony hav- 
ing used the same prerogative." 

f " This reason of M. la Motte' s deserves attention ; yet one does not 
feel quite satisfied with it ; he appears too covetous." 



282 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Valuable Lands measured— Complaints of the Savages. 

" M. d'Aigrement caused the valuable lands at Fort 
Pontchartrain to be measured, and found three hundred 
and fifty -three roods of it in all. La Motte has one hun- 
dred and fifty-seven ; the French inhabitants, all togeth- 
er, have forty-six ; and the Hurons one hundred and fifty. 
The one hundred and fifty roods of La Motte have been 
broken up by the soldiers and savages, nineteen roods of 
which belonged to the company — so the cultivation of it 
has cost La Motte nothing. 

" There are but twenty-nine of the inhabitants of De- 
troit who have taken ground-plots within the fort, where 
they have built small log-houses, thatched with grass. 
The whole number of the French settlers is sixty-three, 
thirty -four being traders. It is certain that if M. la 
Motte had not introduced the trade in brandy, but very 
few of the traders would remain, and no more would go 
there. Brandy and ammunition are the only profitable 
articles of commerce to the French, the English furnish- 
ing all others. 

"The savages make great complaints against M. la 
Motte ; they say plainly, that if he remains there they 
will not settle at Detroit. They demand the lieu- 
tenant, M. d'Argenteuil, as commandant. This man 
has much influence among them, but has little manage- 
ment. The savages promise great faithfulness to the 
king. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 283 

Mode of selling Brandy— Immense profits. 

"In order to prevent the disturbances which would 
arise from the excessive use of brandy, M. la Motte 
causes it all to be put into the storehouse, and to be sold 
to each in his turn at the rate of twenty francs per quart. 
Those who will have it, French as well as Indians, are 
obliged to go to the 'storehouse to drink, and each can 
obtain, at one time, only the twenty-fourth part of a 
quart. It is certain that the savages cannot become in- 
toxicated on that quantity. The price is high, and as 
they can only get the brandy each in his turn, it some- 
times happens that the savages are obliged to return 
home without a taste of this beverage, and they seem 
ready to kill themselves in their disappointment. 

" M. la Motte has bought of four individuals one hun- 
dred and four quarts, at four francs a quart, and sold it 
at twenty francs — thus making a profit of four-fifths. 
The inhabitants of Detroit pay M. la Motte two francs 
ten sous a year for each lot of land measuring one rood, 
fronting on the river, by twenty in depth ; and for the 
ground in the fort, they pay two sous for each foot of 
front, and double that amount when this plot borders on 
two streets. All the inhabitants also pay to M. la Motte 
a tax of ten francs a year, which he claims for himself. 
This tax is levied for the privilege of free trade with the 
Indians. M. d'Aigrement also recounted many acts of 
petty tyranny on the part of M. la Motte, especially ex- 



284 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Outbreak of the Miamis — Treaty of Peace. 

ercised toward the poor soldiers that were under his 
immediate control. 

"This inspector asserted that there can be no doubt 
that maintaining the establishment at Detroit must be 
highly prejudicial to Canada ; for, said he, ' our allies, 
the Hurons,' even now carry their peltries through the 
country to the English ; and they have also introduced 
to the English the Miamis, of whom they formerly made 
such good use in the war which we had against them.' 

"In the month of April, 1707, the Miamis having 
killed three Frenchmen, M. la Motte sent orders to the 
Outawas to come to his aid, having heard that the Iro- 
quois, Hurons, and Miamis were determined on the de- 
struction of the French. Three hundred good men of 
the Outawas immediately set out, under the command 
of the two officers sent by M. la Motte ; but they were 
surprised to learn, before they reached Detroit, that M. 
la Motte had already made peace with the Miamis. 

"The conditions of the peace were, first, to deliver 
up the murderers within forty days ; second, to return, 
within fifteen days, a little Outawa whom they had 
taken captive ; third, to pay for the cattle which they 
had killed ; fourth, to restore the goods which they had 
stolen from the French. 

"The fifteen days having elapsed and the little Ou- 
tawa not having been sent back, M. la Motte resolved to 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 285 



Violation of Treaty— French attack the Fort of the Miamis. 



make war upon the Miamis, although the forty days that 
he had given them for the delivery of the murderers had 
not yet expired. He called together the French and 
savages, and after having lifted the tomahawk in council, 
he departed with four hundred men to attack the fort of 
the Miamis. But he conducted the march without that 
order and precaution which were necessary, despising all 
the advice given him by the chiefs and his own officers. 
"When he arrived near the fort of the Miamis, which he 
expected to take without opposition — there being but 
sixty warriors of the Miamis, and his force amounting to 
four hundred men — he found the Miamis ready to de- 
fend themselves. They fired on the advancing army, 
wounding many persons, and obliging La Motte to re- 
treat to some distance from the intrenchment. At this 
juncture the Miamis raised a white flag, that M. la Motte 
had given them the previous year, which rendered it 
necessary for him to hold a council with them. 

" The principal chief of the Miamis who came to the 
council reproached La Motte for having broken his 
word, the forty days which he had given them not hav- 
ing expired. La Motte replied that he had a right to 
attack them, as they had failed to bring back the little 
Outawa who was among them within fifteen days, as 
they had promised. He demanded that this little Ou- 
tawa should now be restored, and that they should also 



286 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Negotiations — Frenchmen retained as Hostages. 

give him three captives to replace the dead. They not 
only complied with these requisitions, but they also 
promised him that they would deliver up the murderers 
within six weeks, if possible, but if not, they would come 
after their harvest and settle at Detroit. As a pledge of 
their truthfulness, they gave three of their chiefs into the 
custody of the French as hostages. They also presented 
to M. la Motte fifty packs of different kinds of furs, for 
himself and for the troops and allies. In this affray 
there were seven Frenchmen wounded, and four savages 
killed and two wounded. 

" After his return to Detroit, M. la Motte, not having 
heard from the Miamis, sent a canoe with four French- 
men to their camp. The Miamis kept two of the 
Frenchmen, and sent back two of their own men in- 
stead, to signify to M. la Motte that they would do as 
they had promised ; but this is improbable, as they have 
abandoned their fort. If they come to Detroit, it will be 
very difficult for them to agree with the Outawas, as no 
one can bring about a good understanding between all 
the different nations which La Motte has intended to 
assemble here. There are ancient enmities that will 
always prevail over all he can say to them. If it were 
possible to succeed in causing them to live together in 
peace, there would arise another difficulty. The Iroquois 
would gain all these nations over to the English, on 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 287 

Savages of Detroit trade with the English. 

account of their greater facilities for commerce. An 
example of this is already seen. Detroit has not sent to 
the office at Montreal more than seven hundred weight 
of bearer this year, while Michilimacldnac has sent 
forty thousand pounds. It is certain, however, that the 
Detroit tribes have traded as much as usual, therefore 
the rest must have passed to the English. 

"If Michilimacldnac is abandoned and the Outawas 
go to Detroit, as M. la Motte intends, it is certain that 
the low price of the English goods will cause the trade 
in beaver to pass into their colony, without our being 
able to prevent it. "We should also lose the beaver from 
north of Lake Superior, which is the best there is : it will 
pass to the English at Hudson's Bay. 

" M. d'Aigrement disputes the account given of the 
soil about Detroit, by M. la Motte and others. He de- 
scribes it as consisting of a sandy surface, nine or ten 
inches deep, beneath which is a clay so stiff that water 
cannot penetrate it. The timber, he says, is small, 
stunted oaks, and hardy walnuts ; he acknowledges that 
the land produces good Indian-corn, but says that is be- 
cause the soil is new. He does not believe that the fruits 
of Europe can be brought to perfection there, because 
the roots of the trees stand in water. Considerable cider* 

° Doubtless made of crab-apples — a spontaneous production of the 
country. 



288 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Climate — Soil — Facilities of Commerce. 

is made there, but it is bitter as gall. It is true that 
the country is warm, being only forty- three degrees 
north latitude ; but the difficulty arises from the fact that 
the ground is new and full of water. There are some 
small chestnuts which are pretty good to the taste, but 
they are the only kind of fruit that is good. The grass- 
hoppers eat all the garden-plants, so that it is necessary 
to plant and sow the same thing even to the fourth time. 

" Even if the land were ever so productive, there 
would be no market, and the trade of this post would 
never be useful to France — the result of which would be 
that the establishment would always prove a burden to 
the colony, and of no use to the kingdom. It may be 
said that, if we abandon it, the English will take pos- 
session; but that is not to be feared— it being more 
advantageous to them that we should incur the expenses 
and let them reap the benefit, as they now do. The 
Indians are very willing to make use of the goods of the 
English, but they would not suffer the English to take 
possession of their lands, even for the purposes of trade. 

" The former interpreter at Detroit, brother of the sec- 
retary of M. Vaudreuil, has been discharged. His suc- 
cessor is much better — he is an upright man. 

" After having remained nineteen days at Detroit, M. 
d'Aigrement started for Michilimackinac, August 3d, 
and arrived there on the 19th of the same month. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 2^0 

Michilimackinac — Favorable situation — Fish and Game. 

Michilimackinac is one hundred and thirty leagues from 
Detroit. Here he remained four days, during which 
time he observed that this is the advance post of all 
Canada ; the most important, as well for its advantageous 
position, as for the commerce that might be made there. 
It is the rendezvous and highway of all the nations of 
Lake Superior, and the entire upper country. If the 
nations wish to make war upon each other, the Outawas 
who inhabit Michilimackinac would be capable of pre- 
venting them, and might be the mediators in their dif- 
ferences, as has been the case in the past. 

" This post is inaccessible to the most powerful ene- 
mies of the Outawas, who are to the south, and are 
not boatmen. The fish are very good, and very abun- 
dant. The land is not very good, but the savages raise 
from it enough Indian corn for their own use and that of 
the traders. The beaver found there is the best in North 
America; but to insure its passage into France, it is 
necessary to establish a French commandant there, with 
at least thirty soldiers. The savages desire this. It 
would- also be necessary to induce the Hurons to return, 
whom M. la Motte decoyed away, as they are much bet- 
ter qualified to cultivate the land than the Outawas. 

"These Hurons would never have abandoned this 

country, if there had been a French commandant ; they 

left solely on account of their hatred of the Outa- 

19 



290 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Furs of Miclriliniackinac go to Hudson's Bay. 



was, who held them in a kind of slavery. Those whom 
M. d'Aigrement saw at Detroit, say they like much bet- 
ter to be at Michilimackinac, and would attach them- 
selves to a French commandant there. They hate the 
Outawas, but appear to have a real affection for the 
French. 

" If we do not send a commandant with a garrison to 
Michilimackinac, it is to be feared that the Hurons who 
are at Detroit will settle with the Iroquois, in conse- 
quence of their feeling of dissatisfaction toward M. la 
Motte. They would have done so before this, if the 
Iroquois would have permitted them to make a distinct 
village among them. Thus far the Iroquois have not 
been willing to allow the Hurons to come among them, 
except on condition of combining with them, and the 
name of Huron becoming extinct. Since there are now at 
Michilimackinac only a few wanderers, the greater part of 
the furs of the savages of the north go to the English 
trading-posts on Hudson's Bay. The Outawas are unable 
to make this trade by themselves, because the northern 
savages are timid, and will not come near them, as they 
have often been plundered by them. It is therefore 
necessary that the French be allowed to seek these 
northern tribes at the mouth of their own river, which 
empties into Lake Superior. It would be advisable to 
re-establish the permits, to give only twelve the first 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 291 

Ee-establishment of " Permits" beneficial to the French. 

year ; and after that to increase them even to twenty, 
but not to exceed that number. This would suffice for 
the quantity of beaver we should need. These permits 
would be sold at a fixed price, and the amount given to 
indigent families, as heretofore. It would be necessary 
to forbid the governor-general granting private permits, 
on any pretext whatever. 

" To be still more certain of obtaining the beaver, it 
would be expedient for the contractor to give more than 
thirty sous a pound ; it might be necessary to increase 
the price even to forty sous, in which case he would be 
able to purchase as much as he would desire. All this 
trade would come to Michilimackinac ; and it would be 
necessary, in order to prevent any of the furs being sub- 
sequently carried to the English, that the commandant 
of that post should keep an exact account of the quantity 
of furs, more or less, which should be loaded into each 
canoe to be sent to the intendant. By this means, each 
canoe would be obliged to deliver, at the office at Mon- 
treal, the same quantity which had been charged at 
Michilimackinac. The contractor should remunerate 
the commandant for this service. 

"There still remain at Michilimackinac fourteen or 
fifteen Frenchmen, who could not possibly subsist there, 
if the merchants and others in Montreal did not send 
them goods. These are not the only ones who trade 



292 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Intoxication of a Band of Outawas. 

there ; many canoes go up under pretext of government 
service, which are really loaded with goods. As those 
who conduct the canoes are usually the favorites of M. 
Vaudreuil, there is reason to believe that he has an in- 
terest in this trade. It is certain that if there were no 
French at Michilimaekinac, most of the beaver now 
bartered there would go to the English. 

" Previous to the departure of M. d'Aigrement from 
Michilimaekinac, a band of the Outawas, who had been 
to Montreal, arrived there. They had with them five 
casks of brandy, and were all so much intoxicated the 
next night, that they set fire to their own wigwams, 
which would all have been burned, but for the timely 
aid of the French, and who for this service were much 
abused by the savages. 

" The government at Montreal should prevent the sav- 
ages from carrying away such large quantities of brandy, 
as it is the cause of most of the quarrels arising among 
them. They also squander the greater part of their 
beaver in presents and in brandy, and have not enough 
remaining to purchase half the articles that are indis- 
pensable to their comfort. The Outawas informed M. 
d'Aigrement that they obtained permission to bring 
away their brandy, by means of large presents which 
they made to M. Yaudreuil. He does not know cer- 
tainly that this is true, but he is certain that the other 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 293 

Outawa Chief complains of M. la Motte. 

presents received by M. Yaudreuil this year will amount 
to more than five hundred pistoles. 

" A chief of the Outawas, who has been at Detroit, 
and is now at Michiliinackinac, complained that M. la 
Motte refused to deliver to him a necklace of porcelain, 
and a feast-kettle which the chief had given to one 
of La Motte's agents, in security for five beaver-skins 
which he had borrowed. The chief wished to return 
the loan two-fold, and receive back his property, but 
was refused. He thinks the refusal arises from the fact 
that he did not wish to return to Detroit. M. la Motte 
tuld this chief, and many of his nation, that if they 
would not return to Detroit, they would all die. The 
savages are so superstitious that they now believe, when 
any of their people die, that M. la Motte has cau>ed 
their death. Some have even gone to reside at LJetroit, 
to avoid this death which M. la Motte pretends to have 
power to inflict. 

" M. d'Aigrement begs to be believed that the account 
he has given of the conduct of many individuals, has 
been quite against his own inclination, not having any 
reason to complain of them on his own account, but be- 
cause he must obey the orders of His Majesty. He in- 
fers, from all he has seen, that Fort Frontenac, on Lake 
Ontario, ought to be maintained, unless it is thought 
advisable, hereafter, to establish a post at La Galette, 



294 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Detroit injurious, Michilimackinac beneficial to the Colony. 

twenty-five or thirty leagues lower down. He con- 
siders the post at Detroit very injurious to the colony, 
and to the commerce of the kingdom ; but thinks it very 
important to preserve the trade at Michilimackinac, 
where the Outawas are established." 



CHAPTER XVI. 

War between France and England — English attempt the reduction of 
New France — Port Koyal taken — Fifty thousand crowns raised by the 
merchants of Quebec to complete their fortifications — English unsuc- 
cessful — Outagamies suddenly make their appearance — In 1712, Outa- 
gamies and Mascoutins attack Detroit — Long siege — Garrison relieved 
by their allies — The enemy routed, and nearly all destroyed — Letter 
from Father Marest to the governor-general, giving an account of the 
attack — Urges the re-establishment of Michilimackinac — Memorial 
of M. Begon, opposing the immediate re-establishment of Michili- 
mackinac. 

The war between France and England, which con- 
tinued until 1713, had a most disastrous effect upon the 
growth of their respective colonies in America. To keep 
the savages, especially the Iroquois, in a state of neu- 
trality, seemed to be the greatest difficulty encountered 
by the English, while the French, more successful in 
making treaties, were no more fortunate in securing their 
observance. 

Keligious intolerance and jealousy kept the French 
outposts in a state of ferment, and prevented that de- 
cisive and united action which might have effectually 
controlled then- savage allies, and repulsed their English 
enemies. 



296 EAKLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

English expedition against Canada— Quebec fortified. 

In the summer of 1710, the English resolved to end 
the war in America by the subjugation of New France. 
Extensive preparations were made for an expedition 
against Port Royal. About the middle of September 
the whole armament sailed from Boston. It consisted 
of thirty-six sail, having on board the land forces. The 
whole army numbered about three thousand four hun- 
dred. This force was under the command of General 
Nicholson and Adjutant-general Yetch. 

On the 5th of October the fleet anchored before Port 
Royal. This fort, with a garrison of only two hundred 
men, was in no condition to withstand the great army 
brought against it. A show of resistance was made as 
the English advanced, and they were obliged to retire 
before the fire of the French artillery. For some time a 
cannonading was kept up on both sides, and an English 
fire-ship was blown up while entering the harbor. Aware 
that he could not long resist the invaders, M. Subercase, 
commandant of the fort, sent out a flag of truce, and a 
capitulation was agreed upon, by which the English be- 
came masters of Port Royal. In 1711, an unsuccessful 
expedition was made by the English against Quebec and 
Placentia ; though Port Royal was still retained. 

In 1712, the sum of fifty thousand crowns was raised 
by the merchants of Quebec, to complete the fortifica- 
tions of that city. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 297 

Outagamies and Mascoutins attack Detroit. 

The ill success of the English expeditions increased 
the attractions of the French in the eyes of the savages, 
and the Iroquois sent a deputation to Quebec to assure 
the ffovernor-seneral of their sincere attachment. At 
first M. Yaudreuil gave them a cool reception, but finally 
dismissed them with numerous presents. 

About this time the Outagamies, who for a number of 
years had scarcely been heard from, suddenly made 
their appearance. They formed an alliance with the 
Five Nations; and being won over to the English in- 
terests, engaged to surprise Detroit, and surrender it into 
their hands. Fort Pontchartrain was then commanded 
by M. du Buisson, who succeeded M. la Motte Cadillac 
n the summer of 1711. 

Early in May, 1712, a large body of the Outagamies 
and Mascoutins proceeded to Detroit, and threw up an 
intrenchment about fifty paces from Fort Pontchartrain. 
The French garrison consisted of only thirty men, and 
the Outawas and Hurons, their most reliable allies, had 
not returned from their winter hunt. Frequent sallies 
were made against the fort by the besiegers, keeping the 
besieged occupants in a state of constant anxiety and 
alarm. The church, storehouse, and some other build- 
ings outside the fort, and so near as to endanger it if set 
on fire by the savages, were pulled down by order of the 
commandant. 



298 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Defeated — Horrid treatment of tbe Captives. 

When nearly worn out by unremitted watchings, the 
besieged garrison was relieved by the arrival of large 
numbers of their allies, who soon turned the tide of war. 
The Ontagamies and Mascoutins were obliged to retreat 
to their own fortress, where they were in turn besieged. 
The siege lasted nineteen days, the firing being kept up 
day and night. Exhausted by hunger, thirst, and fa- 
tigue, they finally manifested a desire to capitulate. A 
great council was held, but no satisfactory arrangement 
could be made, and hostilities were resumed. At last 
the Ontagamies took advantage of a dark rainy night, 
and escaped from their fort. They proceeded to Presque 
Isle, twelve miles above Detroit, where they again in- 
trenched themselves. Thither they were pursued by the 
French allies, and, after a four days' siege, were obliged 
to surrender at discretion. ~No quarter was given; all 
the men were killed, and the women and children were 
made captives. The allies returned with their captives 
to Fort Pontehartrain, where they amused themselves 
with shooting four or five a day. ISTot one of those taken 
by the Hurons was spared. 

As soon as the news reached Michilimackinac, Father 
Marest dispatched Koutaouiliboe to Quebec with letters 
to the governor-general. In these dispatches he makes 
use of the trouble at Detroit as an argument for the re- 
establishment of Michilimackinac. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 299 

Letter from Father Marest to M. Vaudreuil. 

Extract of a letter from Father Marest, missionary at 
MichilimackinaCj to M. Vaudreuil, governor-general : 

"June 21, 1712. 

" No doubt you have already learned the news of the 
recent attack on Detroit, by the Sacs, Foxes, and Mas- 
coutins, by a canoe sent from that place. The Rev. 
Father Recollet of Detroit informs me that about eight 
hundred men, women, and children of the Foxes and 
Mascoutins have been destroyed. Tet, in this large 
number, I presume he does not reckon forty warriors, 
sixty women, and more than a hundred children of the 
Mascoutins, who are reported to have been killed near 
the great river. I only give the report of others. Saki- 
ma is going to Montreal ; he and Makisabe, a Pottawa- 
tomie, who is also going down from Detroit, were the 
chiefs principally concerned ; they will give you their 
own account of affairs. 

" Although the number of the dead is very great, the 
Fox nation is not destroyed. There still remain a great 
number of them near the Bay — some say there are two 
hundred warriors, besides those who have gone to the 
Iroquois. Their brothers, the Kickapoos, to whose vil- 
lages ten families of the Mascoutins have retired, have 
more than a hundred good warriors; the Sacs, eighty 
men, boatmen ; the Puans, sixty brave men, also boat- 



300 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Michilimackinac unsafe — Commandant and Garrison needed. 



men. If these all unite, as is natural, they may yet ex- 
cite terror, especially here. They would indeed be truly 
formidable, because so many of them are boatmen. 
Michilimackinac would no longer be a place of safety, 
as hitherto. It is not far from this post to the Bay, and 
the savages could come here both by land and water, 
and not only the savages, but the French, who were the 
first movers in this war, having joined with the Outawas 
to destroy the Foxes. We believe, however, that the 
Foxes at the Bay, having heard of the attack upon those 
at Detroit, will flee ; and it is not difficult to believe that 
the Sacs and Puans will take the part of the Foxes 
against the French and Outawas; but these are only 
conjectures. It is certain that, in this region, there will 
always be cause to fear an attack, either from the sav- 
ages at Detroit, at the Bay, or from the Illinois. The 
French, if they go, as is their custom — two men alone in 
a boat to make the tour of the lakes — will always be in 
danger, for the Foxes, Kickapoos, and Mascoutins are 
found everywhere, and they are a j>eople without pity 
and without reason. 

" If this country ever needs M. Louvigny, it is now ; 
the savages say it is absolutely necessary that he should 
come for the safety of the country, to unite the tribes, 
and to defend those whom the war has already caused 
to return to Michilimackinac. The Indians of the great 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 301 

Arrival of French at Detroit — Effect on the Savages. 

river, those of Saginaw and many from Detroit, have 
gone to Manitoulin with Le Pesant. But if M. Louvig- 
ny returns here, no doubt they will all quit Manitoulin, 
where they have planted but little, and return here. 

" The savages told me that all the Outawas at Detroit 
would have come here, but for the recent arrival of fifty 
or sixty Frenchmen, who said they were soon to be fol- 
lowed by hundreds of others. This news, though prob- 
ably not entirely true, has changed the purpose of many 
who wished to leave Detroit, and/they have now invited 
the Outawas and Pottawatomies to come and establish 
themselves there. Sakima has had a quarrel with all 
the Outawas, both here and at the great river. I do not 
know what course the Pottawatomies will take ; nor even 
what course those will pursue who are here, if M. Lou- 
vigny does not come, especially if the Foxes come to at- 
tack them or us. 

" Sakima very much desired to come and present his 
respects to you ; but the French have thought it best for 
him to remain for the safety of this village. In his ab- 
sence, the enemy might attack us, while his presence 
would arrest all such designs, as he is greatly feared. 
They have believed it quite sufficient for Koutaouiliboe 
to go down and inform you of all that has passed : not 
deeming it expedient for both to leave Michilimackinac 
at such a time as this." 



302 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Outawas complain of the abandonment of Michilimaekinac. 

"July 2, 1712. 

" This morning Koutaouiliboe came to see me, deter- 
mined to prosecute a German quarrel. ' What does our 
father Onontio mean?' he demanded. 'It is already 
five years since he promised us M. Louvigny ; still, he 
wishes to deceive us this year, as he has done in all the 
others. He tells us that the great Onontio, the king, 
especially loves his children of Michilimaekinac, yet il 
seems that he abandons them entirely. Formerly, be 
fore the establishment of Detroit, we were a powerful 
nation. All the other nations were obliged to come 
here to obtain necessaries, and there was no trouble, as 
there is now. But the most savage and unreasonable of 
the nations, such as the Foxes, Kickapoos, Mascoutins, 
Miamis, and others, who do not use the canoe, have the 
power of going on foot to Detroit, in as great numbers 
as they wish, to buy their powder and trouble their 
allies. Yet the French desire more than ever to estab- 
lish Detroit. 

" ' A canoe, which arrived yesterday from Detroit, 
brought the news that M. de la Forest had already ar- 
rived with fifty men. He has not come to remain, but 
only came beforehand to hold a council with the sav- 
ages. Some time hence there is to come another French 
chief, a young man, who has bought all the movables of 
M. la Motte, his plate, his cattle, and other property ; he 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 303 

Partiality shown to Detroit — French Allies remonstrate. 

has also bought all the land of Detroit. This chief is to 
come with four hundred French to build a city, in which, 
after four years, they are to sell goods at the same price 
as at Montreal. Only two canoes are ordered to come 
to Michilimackinac. It is also said that a few persons 
will steal away, and come here to settle. This, then, is 
the preference which the French give to Michilimacki- 
nac. It is because Detroit has always been a theater of 
war, and because it always will be so, that they think 
only of its establishment. Does our father wish that we 
should leave a place of security like this, and go to De- 
troit to be killed, ourselves and our children ? 

" ' If our father loves us, why does he not establish us 
here, and give us him whom he has so long promised 
us, to give spirit to those who have it not, and to 
strengthen us against our enemies ? Does not our father 
know that all the Outawas of the great river have re- 
turned here, almost all those of Saginaw, and many of 
those from Detroit, all except Jean le Blanc, whose wife 
is already here ? Does he not know that all the Outa- 
was of Detroit had already pitched their canoes, in order 
to come here, with half of the Hurons, while the other 
half of the tribe were to go to the Iroquois, not consider- 
ing themselves safe at Detroit any more than the Sau- 
teurs and the Mississaques, who all left that place after 
the attack made by the Foxes ? But when they received 



304 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Rumor of a general Peace in Europe — Discredited. 

the news of the coming of the French, they resolved to 
remain.' I could only tell him that you would know 
how to reply to him when he should come into your 
presence. He said that the only satisfactory reply which 
his father could make, was to grant him the commandant 
who had been promised long since, and whom he was 
now going to seek. 

" Koutaouiliboe has also told me another fine piece of 
news ; that there was peace in all Europe, and that ' the 
great Onontio of the French had given one-half of his 
children to the English, but that he had requested the 
English not to give them bad medicine.' He said he was 
indifferent whether he went to Boston or Montreal, as 
there was nothing but powder at Montreal, and that the 
French themselves went to purchase goods at the stores 
of the English. Already at Detroit, he said, they gave 
two hands of tobacco for a beaver, and a scarlet blanket 
for five or six beavers, and so with other goods. 

" There is one thing, however, which makes all this 
news suspicious ; those who told it brought no letters, 
and that makes many believe that it is news made ex- 
pressly for the occasion, either by the French inhabitants 
of Detroit, or by the savages who remain there in such 
small numbers that they wish to cause others to return 
there for their safety. He also told me that M. la Motte 
had gone to Quebec, and that he told the people at De- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 305 

Folle-Avoines— Detroit Savages and Kickapoos. 

troit, at parting, that he was not leaving them forever, 
but, at the expiration of four years, they would see him 
again. See how the savages make news according to 
their interests or inclinations ! 

" The Folle-Avoiues have made an attack upon Cha- 
gouamigon and his wife, the adopted brother and sister 
of Durange ; they have killed the one, and carried off 
the other. Durange is coming here to recover the pris- 
oner. It is said that the peojDle of Detroit are coming to 
make war against the Kickapoos, and that they have in- 
vited the Sauteurs to join them. 

"Pardon me, sir, if I bring you only savage news; 
Koutaouiliboe will be able to tell you some other. He 
will be sure to make you remember that he is the only 
one who has observed your words ; and that he had reason 
to tell you last year, that all your children would forget 
them as soon as they should be beyond the region of 
Montreal, and would not fail to kill each other. I am, 
with profound respect, sir, 

" Your very humble, and 

"Very obedient servant, 

"JOSEPH T. MAREST, 

" Of the Society of Jesus." 

The request of Father Marest for the re-establishment 
of Michilimackinac seems to have excited but little at- 
tention until the following year, when the governor- 

20 



306 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Memoir of M. Begon concerning Michilimackinac. 

general began to feel the necessity of strengthening the 
northwestern frontier against the encroachments of the 
English. M. Begon, the intendant, to whom belonged 
the duty of deciding this question, then drew up the fol- 
lowing memorial, fully discussing the subject: 

" It appears from the letter of Father Marest, mission- 
ary of the Society of Jesus, dated July 19th, 1712, that 
the post at Michilimackinac had been abandoned since 
the establishment of Detroit, but its re-establishment 
would be useful to the colony ; and that M. Louvigny 
is expected there to gather the savages together, which 
will be easily accomplished, as they have great confi- 
dence in him. M. Lignery, in his letter of the 20th of 
July last, also states that it is necessary that Michili- 
mackinac should be reinforced with a garrison of trained 
soldiers, without which no commandant could succeed. 
There are at present at that post about forty deserters, 
who, in all their conduct, only consult their own interest. 
He expresses great impatience for the arrival of M. Lou- 
vigny, feeling assured that he will not come without a 
garrison. M. Lignery says the allied nations have gone 
to war with the Foxes, and he will give the result of the 
expedition when they return. 

" It does not appear that the war among the nations 
requires much attention at present, as no action can be 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 307 

» 

Opposes the present re-establishment of Michilimackinac. 

taken in the matter till the final result is known. Let us 
now examine the advantages which, there is reason to 
hope, will be derived from the re-establishment of Mich- 
ilimackinac, and whether it is best to send M. Louvigny 
there with troops, or without. It is certain that troops 
cannot be sent there at present, because their expenses 
for clothing and other necessaries would be very great, 
and there is no order from the king for such an outlay. 
Nor does it seem best to send M. Louvigny without 
troops, as, by the letter of M. Lignery, it appears that 
the principal object of the journey of M. Louvigny 
would be to bring a garrison with him, that he might be 
able to overcome the forty coureurs des hois, who will 
remain masters there as long as there are no troops. 

"Under existing circumstances it seems far better that 
the journey of M. Louvigny should be deferred until 
spring. If he should attempt the journey this fall, he 
must leave between this and the 15th of next month — 
and should he be two months in ascending the river, as 
the canoes were last year, he would not reach Michili- 
mackinac before the 15th of November. The savages 
would then be hunting, and w T ould not return till May, 
when they come to plant their corn ; and not till then 
could M. Louvigny hold a council with them concerning 
the affairs of the colony. 

" M. Louvigny could not undertake the journey at his 



308 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

tf . 

Transportation of Troops too expensive in Autumn. 

own expense. Provisions and clothing for himself and 
the troops, and presents for the savages, would require a 
considerable sum, and there are at present no funds, the 
storehouses are empty, and all kinds of merchandise are 
very dear. By waiting until spring, he would be able 
to supply himself from the stores which His Majesty will 
send this autumn. Besides, the principal object of the 
journey of M. Louvigny being the re-establishment of 
Michilimackinac — which has been delayed until the 
peace, because it was not considered expedient to 
weaken the colony during the war — it seems necessary, 
before proceeding further, to know the intentions of His 
Majesty. There must necessarily be great expense in- 
curred for the officers, for the garrison, and in presents 
to the savages, and if the project meet His Majesty's 
approbation, he will appropriate funds for that purpose. 
" Michilimackinac might be re-established without ex- 
pense to His Majesty, either by surrendering the trade of 
the post to such individuals as will obligate themselves 
to pay all the expenses of twenty-two soldiers and two 
officers, to furnish munitions of war for the defense of 
the fort, and to make presents to the savages. Or, the 
expenses of that post might be paid by the sale of per- 
mits, if the king should not think proper to grant an 
exclusive commerce. It is absolutely necessary to know 
the wishes of the king concerning these two propositions; 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 309 

Coureurs des Bois a benefit to the Colony. 

and as M. Lignery is at Michilimackinac, it will not be 
any greater injury to the colony to defer the re-establish- 
ment of this post, than it has been for eight or ten years 
past. 

" The conduct of the coureurs des hois is an evil which 
has lasted a long time, and we must learn whether the 
king will grant them a general amnesty, or punish them 
according to the rigor of the ordinance, which is cor- 
poral punishment, and the confiscation of their goods. 
Until this decision is made, their trading at Michili- 
mackinac will not injure the colony any more than if 
they pursued the same course elsewhere. It seems ne- 
cessary, in order to prevent the savages from goiug to 
trade with the English, where goods are cheaper than 
they are at Montreal, that our goods should be carried 
to them. Therefore, though the coureurs des hois de- 
serve punishment for disobeying the orders of the king, 
no doubt the trade which they carry on with the nations 
is advantageous to the colony. This trade, during the 
war, has brought beaver and other furs to Montreal that 
would otherwise have gone to the English, had there 
been no French in the upper country. Besides, the prin- 
cipal object being to prevent any intelligence passing 
between the Outawas and Iroquois, the French should 
carry all that the savages might need, lest they be at- 
tracted to the English, first by necessity, and afterward 



310 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 

Michilimackinac re-established in 1714. 

by the cheapness of their goods ; and it being impossible 
to prevent their going, the fur-trade in Canada, which is 
our principal dependence, would be ruined. The sav- 
ages would also array themselves against us in the first 
war, as they always take the part of those with whom 
they trade. 

"Written at Quebec, Sept. 20th, 1713. 

(Signed) "BEGON." 

There seemed good reasons for adopting M. Begon's 
suggestion, to defer sending men to Michilimackinac 
until another season ; but early in 1714, M. Yaudreuil 
dispatched the long-wished-for garrison and comman- 
dant. New life was thus given to the settlement, yet the 
French could not regain their influence over the savages. 
English goods were cheaper and more abundant, and 
the low state of financial affairs in France was alleged 
as the reason that the merchants of Quebec and Mon- 
treal did not receive a supply of goods equal to the de- 
mand. Hence, the largest portion of the northwestern 
fur-trade passed to the English. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

France cedes to England large portions of territory in New France — 
English attempt to conciliate the savages — Fail, through the influ- 
ence of Father Eafle, a French Jesuit — English set a price on the 
head of the priest — Savages exasperated — Make incursions upon the 
English — Destroy their crops, but spare life — Outagamies trouble the 
French — In 1716, M. Louvigny proceeds to their country and obliges 
them to capitulate — Hostages die of small-pox at Quebec — M. Lou- 
vigny again visits the country of the Outagamies — Official report of 
M. Tonti' s return from Quebec to Detroit. 

By the treaty of Utrecht, ratified April 11, 1713, 
France ceded to England a large extent of territory, 
comprising Nova Scotia or Acadia, and Port Royal, 
with all the adjacent country included in the ancient 
boundaries. 

Bancroft says : " On the surrender of Acadia to Eng- 
land, the lakes, the rivulets, the granite ledges of Cape 
Breton — of which an irregular outline is guarded by 
reefs of rocks, notched and almost rent asunder by the 
constant action of the sea — were immediately occupied 
as a province of France, and in 1714, fugitives from 
Newfoundland and Acadia built their huts along its 
coasts, wherever safe inlets invited the fishermen to 
spread their flakes, and the soil to plant fields and gar- 
dens 



312 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

English and French contend for the favor of the Savages. 

" From Cape Breton, the dominion of Louis XIV. ex- 
tended up the St. Lawrence to Lake Superior, and from 
that lake, through the whole course of the Mississippi, to 
the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Mobile." 

While the hardy Canadians were forming new settle- 
ments in the inclement North, the attention of the Court 
of France was more particularly directed to the settle- 
ment of Louisiana. Treasures were lavishly expended in 
fitting out expeditions to that El Dorado, while the al- 
ready established posts of the whole northwest were left 
to struggle on, almost unaided. 

After the treaty of Utrecht, no efforts were spared, on 
the part of the English, to conciliate the savages. The 
Abnaquais, who remained true to the French, continued 
to ravage New England. The English continued to use 
every means to win their favor, and among other pro- 
jects, they established a free-school at the mouth of the 
Kennebec, where the young Abnaquais could be boarded 
and educated without expense. But all in vain. Father 
Rafle, an active, zealous Jesuit, had long dwelt among 
them as missionary, and so strongly were they attached 
to him, that they followed his dictates in every respect. 
Enthusiastically attached to his country, as well as to his 
religion, he used every means to excite in the minds of 
the savages a continued hostility to the English. 

All remonstrances were unavailing. At last the Eng- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 313 

Reward offered for the Head of a Priest 

lish attempted to gain possession of his person, and, fail- 
ing in that, they set a price upon his head. The savages 
were highly exasperated at this attack upon their favor- 
ite priest, and immediately sent out messengers to all 
their allies to meet them at Narrantsouak. From thence 
they made incursions upon the English settlements along 
the rivers, demolishing the houses and destroying the 
crops, but sparing the lives of the inhabitants. They 
took four or five prisoners, and held them as hostages to 
secure the lives of some of their messengers, who had 
been captured and retained prisoners at Boston. 

Less forbearing than their savage enemy, the English 
broke down the fortifications about Narransouak, shot 
the offending missionary, burned the wigwams, and 
plundered the church. The destruction of this settle- 
ment, for a time, restored tranquillity to New England, 
but made the Abnaquais deadly foes to the British gov- 
ernment. 

The severe chastisement which the Outagamies re- 
ceived from the Erench in 1712, instead of subduing, 
only exasperated them. Their scouting-parties infested 
every line of communication between the distant posts, 
robbing and murdering the traders. So well did they 
succeed in their outrages, that the Sioux were induced 
to form an open alliance with them, and many of the 
Iroquois secretly favored them. Indeed, there seemed 



314 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Expedition of the French against the Outagamios. 

to be great danger of a general conspiracy among all the 
savage nations against the French. As the only means 
of safety, M. Vaudreuil resolved upon the utter extermi- 
nation of the Outagamies. Accordingly, in the spring 
of 1716, an expedition was fitted out, consisting of an 
army of eight hundred men, under the command of M. 
Louvigny, lieutenant of Quebec. Proceeding to the 
country of the Outagamies, they found that nation in- 
trenched within a fort of palisades, evidently aware of 
the enemy's approach, and expecting no mercy. There 
were about five hundred warriors, and nearly three 
thousand women and children. 

M. Louvigny, having brought with him two or three 
small pieces of ordnance, commenced a formal siege. 
In spite of the governor-general's avowed determination 
to exterminate the Outagamies, he had given secret in- 
structions to M. Louvigny, not to prosecute the war any 
farther than was necessary to obtain advantageous terms 
of peace. After a few days' siege, the Outagamies de- 
sired to capitulate. Their terms were rejected, and the 
siege was continued until, at last, the savages were com- 
pelled to accept peace upon the terms proposed by the 
French. By one of these stipulations, six sons of six of 
the principal chiefs were delivered to M. Louvigny, as 
hostages, to secure their sending deputies to Montreal 
the ensuing year, to ratify the peace. A written treaty 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 315 



Small-pox in Canada— Death of three Hostages. 



was made, containing the cession to the French of all 
the country of the Ontagamies. It is probable the sav- 
ages were entirely ignorant of this clause in the treaty. 

The following winter, the small-pox raged in Quebec 
and Montreal. Among the victims were the famous 
Outagamie chief, Pemoussa, and three of the hostages. 
Fearing the consequences of this mortality, M. Vaudreuil 
went on the ice from Quebec to Montreal, to give orders 
to M. Louvigny to set out for Michilimackinac at the 
earliest moment practicable. 

M. Louvigny found it impossible to commence his 
journey till late in May, 1717. He took with him one 
of the surviving hostages, who had lost an eye by the 
small-pox, that he might convince his nation that his 
comrades had not died for want of care. Immediately 
after their arrival at Michilimackinac, the hostage and 
two French interpreters, well supplied with presents " to 
cover the dead hostages," were dispatched to the coun- 
try of the Ontagamies. The deputation was very cor- 
dially received, and the Outagamies expressed their 
gratitude to Onontio for his forbearance toward their na- 
tion, and gave repeated assurances of a lasting peace 
with the French. They said that for certain reasons 
they could not wait on Onontio till the next year, but 
they would never forget their obligations to him. 

The hostage set out with the interpreters on their re- 



316 EARLY HISTOEY OF MICHIGAN. 

Breach of Faith — M. Tonti returns to Detroit 

turn to Michilimackinac, but, after traveling a few 
leagues, he left them, saying he must return home to 
make his countrymen keep their promise. No more 
was heard of him, nor did the deputies make their ap- 
pearance at Montreal. The reason afterward given by 
the Outagamies for this breach of faith was, that " an 
enemy, provoked beyond a certain degree, could never 
become a reconciled friend." 

About the time that M. Louvigny started on his jour- 
ney to Michilimackinac, M. Tonti, commandant at De- 
troit, set out on his return to that post. An official report 
of his voyage was sent to M. Yaudreuil, bearing date 
October 12th, 1717. This report was submitted to the 
Council of Marine, and, as was customary, a summary 
was made by the secretary, and approved by the coun- 
cil. The following copy throws a ray of light upon the 
state of affairs at Detroit at that time : 

"October 12th, 1717. 

" At the same time that M. Louvigny left Montreal to 
go to Michilimackinac, M. Tonti also started for Detroit, 
the commerce of that post having been granted to him 
only on condition that he should not extend his trade be- 
yond his own jurisdiction, nor employ others to carry 
goods to sell to more distant tribes. 

" In conformity to the orders of the council, M. Tonti 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 317 

Savages go to Orange— Management of M. Tonti. 

took tlie route of the lakes, and met, on Lake Ontario, 
three canoes from Michilimackinac, three from Detroit, 
and three from Saginaw, which were going to Orange. 
He succeeded, by fair words and presents, in persuading 
them to follow him to Detroit. Two days later, when 
he was six miles from Niagara, he met seventeen canoes 
of savages bound for Detroit, but who were first going to 
Orange. He induced them also to abandon their design, 
by the promise that the price of merchandise at Detroit 
should be diminished, and he would also give them some 
brandy. Ten canoes followed him to Detroit, and seven 
took the route to Montreal. L'Oranger, the interpreter, 
was dispatched to accompany these last, and prevent 
their going to the English. He was only able to con- 
duct six of them to Montreal ; the seventh escaped and 
went to Orange. 

" According to his promise, M. Tonti made satisfactory 
arrangements with the merchants. He also permitted 
the savages to buy two or three quarts of brandy each, 
to take to their villages. But they first agreed that it 
should be carefully distributed by a trusty person. He 
hoped the council would not disapprove of what he had 
done, nor of the continuance of the same course, as he 
had no other intention than merely to hinder the savages 
from going to the English. 

" M. Tonti arrived at Detroit, July 3d, and immedi- 



318 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Council at Detroit — Complaints of the Savages. 

ately held a council with the nations which are estab- 
lished there, in order to engage the chiefs to come to 
Montreal, to testify concerning what had passed in the 
war with the Foxes ; hut they were unable to come, on 
account of an affair which occurred a short time before, 
which obliged them to remain in their own village. 
They have promised to come next year, without fail. 
They complained that the French had sold their goods too 
high, but they hoped the change of commandant would 
reduce the prices ; if not, they should go to the English. 
M. Tonti then called a meeting of the merchants, and 
they all agreed upon a price for certain kinds of mer- 
chandise, with which the savages appeared satisfied. 

"The difficulty which hindered the principal chiefs 
from going from Detroit to Montreal, was caused by an 
Outawa of this post and four other savages. All five of 
them pretended to start on a war excursion against the 
Flat Heads; but, while they were in the river of the 
Miamis, they killed an Iroquois and his wife, who was a 
Miami, and two children. This bloody deed would cer-, 
tainly have caused a war, for the Iroquois and Miamis 
took the part of their murdered people against the Outa- 
was and other nations at Detroit. M. Tonti persuaded 
the nations at Detroit to join him and go to Saginaw for 
the murderers, and deliver them up to the Miamis. For 
this purpose the Outawas and Pottawatomies each sent a 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 319 

Difficulty between the Outawas and Miamis.. 

canoe, to which M. Tonti added one of the French, and 
placed the whole under the command of Lieut. Brage- 
lonne. The three murderers were arrested and brought 
to Detroit, where M. Tonti kept them in custody till he 
obtained news from the Miamis, to whom he immediately 
made known the satisfaction the Outawas were ready to 
offer them. By this means, and by the presents which 
the nations of Detroit and even the French will make to 
the Miamis, M. Tonti hopes that nation will be concili- 
ated, and the war prevented. 

"Approved by the Council of Marine, January 18, 1718. 

"L. A. DE BOURBON." 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Chiefs of the three villages at Detroit assembled in council — Orders of 
M. Vaudreuil — Speech of Sastarexy, the Huron orator — Unusual state 
of tranquillity in all New France — Increased number of settlers at 
Detroit — Enlargement of the stockade — Barracks erected — Canada in 
1725 — Commencement of " the old French war" — Extensive warlike 
preparations made in the colonies — Arrival of French and English 
fleets off the coast of Newfoundland — Quebec taken by the English — 
Montreal and all the French possessions in the northwest ceded to 
England — Major Rogers takes possession of Detroit — Lieut. Leslie 
takes possession of Michilimackinac — Description of Michilimackinac 
by Henry — Conspiracy of Pontiac — Massacre at Michilimackinac — Its 
reoccupancy — Removal of the fort to the island. 

Fkom 1717 to the close of 1724, there was a constant 
succession of difficulties between the French and the dif- 
ferent tribes of Indians. As soon as one " bad affair" 
was adjusted, some other real or supposed injury would 
call forth savage indignation and revenge. The forts at 
Detroit and Michilimackinac, though still maintained, 
were in a very low state, and, to the savages, were ob- 
jects of contempt rather than of terror. It is impossible 
to trace a connected chain of events at these posts, and 
only now and then can we find an isolated fact concern- 
ing them. 

On the 7th of June, 1721, M. Tonti, who still com- 
manded at Fort Pontchartrain, assembled the chiefs of 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 321 

Council at Detroit— War proposed against the Outagamies. 

the three villages in the immediate vicinity of Detroit — 
Hurons, Ottawas, and Pottawatomies — and communi- 
cated to them the orders of M. Vaudreuil, which he 
had just received. An important item in the business 
under debate, was a request from the governor-general 
to the three villages, to give their consent that no more 
brandy should be sold to them, as it had been expressly 
prohibited by the Council of Marine. It was also pro- 
posed that all the nations should unite with the French 
in a war against the Outagamies, who were again com- 
mitting depredations upon the more remote posts. This 
warlike tribe had also driven the Illinois from their 
hunting-grounds on the Mississippi, and made dangerous 
the whole passage to Louisiana. 

According to custom, the chiefs required two days 
" to consider the words of Onontio," when they reassem- 
bled in vast numbers at the council- house, and Sastarexy, 
the great Huron orator, replied to Onontio in an eloquent 
speech. He remarked that the French had a perfect 
right to do as they might think proper about selling 
brandy to the savages; acknowledged that it would 
have been far better for them if the French had never 
taught them to use it; and portrayed, in a vivid man- 
ner, the many evils it had brought upon all the nations ; 
but they had now become so much accustomed to its use 

that they could not do without it. Hence, it was easy 

21 



322 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Speech of Sastarexy— Difficulties with Outagamies adjusted. 

to infer that, if the French would not sell them their 
favorite beverage, they would obtain it of the English. 

In regard to the war with the Outagamies, he said 
nothing could be determined, except in a general coun- 
cil of all the nations which acknowledge the authority 
of Onontio. Perhaps all would be agreed in thinking a 
war necessary, but they would have great difficulty in 
again placing confidence in the French. All would re- 
member that, having once united the nations to assist in 
exterminating this enemy, the French had granted them 
peace without even consulting the allies, and without 
sufficient reason for such a proceeding. 

Soon after this council at Detroit, the difficulties with 
the Outagamies were adjusted. The Mississippi scheme 
lost much of the enthusiastic interest it had awakened in 
France, and, with the exception of occasional outbreaks 
among the Indians, which were soon quelled, for many 
years New France remained in a state of unwonted 
tranquillity. 

From this period until 1760, when the whole of the 
great northwest passed into the hands of the British, no 
veiy serious calamity of any kind befell the establish- 
ment at Detroit. As the number of settlers increased, 
the stockade that inclosed the town and constituted the 
fort, was enlarged and strengthened, until it inclosed 
eighty or one hundred small houses, closely crowded to- 



EARLY HISTOKY oF MICHIGAN". 



Loss of the ship Camel — Death of M. Vaudreuil. 



gelhcr aud thatched with straw. The new palisades 
were twenty-five feet high, having a wooden bastion at 
each corner. Over each of the two gateways a block- 
house was erected. Barracks for the soldiers were also 
built on the spot where the first rude fort was constructed 
in 1701. Near these barracks was the council-house. 
The only other public building was St. Anne's Church, a 
small rude structure. The streets were very narrow, ex- 
cept a wide carriage-road called the chemin du ronde, 
which encircled the town just within the palisades. 

In 1725, while all Canada was rejoicing in the rapid 
increase of its population and wealth, the loss of the French 
ship-of-war Camel, which was wrecked near Louisburg, 
produced the utmost grief and consternation. Besides 
the destruction of the rich cargo, the whole colony mourn- 
ed the greater loss of many valuable lives. M. Louvig- 
ny, for many years lieutenant of Quebec, and afterward 
intendant of Canada, who had recently been appointed 
governor at Three Rivers, a son of the late governor of 
Montreal, a large number of colonial officers, and many 
ecclesiastics of all denominations, perished in the wreck. 

In the autumn of the same year, an additional calam- 
ity befell the colony, in the death of M. Vaudreuil, the 
governor-general. This sad event took place October 
10, 1725. M. Yaudreuil had governed Canada for 
twenty-one years, to the general acceptance of the peo- 



32-i EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Succession of M. Beauharnais — British colonial Army. 

pie, who deeply mourned his loss. He was succeeded 
in the government by M. Beauharnais. The almost un- 
broken quiet of more than twenty years, though greatly 
enhancing the prosperity of the country, became at 
length very irksome to the restless spirit of the French. 
They had long been jealous of the rapidly increasing set- 
tlements of their English neighbors, and had often mani- 
fested their dislike by petty annoyances ; but, in 1746, 
they made such encroachments upon the undoubted 
property of the English, that the British government 
was aroused. 

By order of His Majesty James I., the Secretary of 
State required all the governors of the English colonies 
in America, to raise a large number of independent 
companies of soldiers. The troops of New York, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, were to be 
formed into one corps, under the command of the Lieu- 
tenant-governor of Virginia, Brigadier-general Gooch. 
The colonies were to furnish levy money and provisions, 
and His Majesty was to bear the expense of arming, 
paying, and clothing the troops. The army was to be 
aided by a suitable armament sent from Europe, and the 
whole to be under the command of General Sinclair. 
The object was nothing less than the entire subjugation 
of Canada. 

On their part, the French made equally extensive 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 325 

French and English fleets — Commencement of War. 

preparations — collecting troops, erecting new fortifica- 
tions, even within the British territory, and doing every 
thing in their power to harass the English. In the mean 
time, the French and English commissaries were at Paris 
disputing about the claims of their respective nations, but 
bringing about no adjustment. At length the English 
government received intelligence that a French fleet was 
about to sail from Brest, bound to America. Accord- 
ingly, Admiral Boscawen was ordered to set sail with 
twelve ships-of-war, and watch their movements. This 
armament was soon after reinforced by six ships-of-the- 
line-and a frigate, under the command of Admiral IIol- 
bourne. The French king had instructed his ambassa- 
dor that, should the British show signs of acting on the 
offensive, intimation was to be immediately given that 
the firing of the first British gun would be considered by 
the French as a declaration of war. 

In due time, Admiral Boscawen arrived at Newfound- 
land, and took his station off Cape Race. Soon after- 
ward M. Bois de la Motte arrived with the French 
squadron. On account of a dense fog, the English did 
not see the French fleet ; but two French vessels, named 
the Alcide and the Lys, being separated from the rest, 
were captured. About 8,000 francs were found on 
board. Thus commenced the war known as the old 
French "War, during whose sanguinary continuance the 



326 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 



Success of the English — Canada surrendered. 



name of Washington was first recorded in the book of 
fame. For ten long years the war continued. With the 
exception of that rashness which resulted in Braddock's 
defeat, the war was conducted with marked success to 
the English. Yet Canada could never be conquered 
while Quebec and Montreal, the strongholds of the 
French, still remained in their possession, and thither 
the English force was gathered — the lion in search of his 
prey. 

Every scene of the battle on the plains of Abraham, 
where fell the brave Wolfe, and his great adversary, the 
young and chivalrous Montcalm, is familiar as house- 
hold words. On the 18th of September, 1759, Quebec, 
" the rock-built citadel of Canada," j:>assed forever from 
the hands of the French. 

Quebec, Niagara, Frontenac, and Crown Point, were 
now in the possession of the English ; but Montreal and 
the adjacent country still held out, and early in the year 
1760, three divisions of the British army entered Canada 
at three different points, and, conquering as they went, 
converged toward Montreal. By a singular coincidence, 
all three reached the neighborhood of that city on the 
same day. The enfeebled and disheartened garrison could 
offer no resistance, and on the 8th of September, 1760, 
Montreal and all its dependencies were surrendered to 
the British crown. This capitulation included not only 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 327 

English take possession of Detroit — French Commandant. 

the surrender of Montreal and its immediate vicinity, 
Lnt of Detroit, Michilimackinac, and all other portions 
of Canada still in the possession of the French. 

On the 12th of September, 1760, Major Kobert Kogers 
received orders from General Amherst to advance, with 
a sufficient force, and take possession of Detroit, Michil- 
imackiuac, and indeed all the northwest, and administer 
the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants. During the 
war, the distant tribes of the northwest had continued 
allies of the French, and, as a consequence, Detroit and 
the other outposts in that region had remained unmo- 
lested. So entirely unacquainted with the progress of 
events were the soldiers, and even the officers, that Cap- 
tain Bellestre, commandant at Detroit, was at first quite 
inclined to dispute the authority by which Major Rogers 
demanded the surrender of Fort Pontchartrain. Indeed, 
so sure was the French officer that the demand was in- 
formal, that he not only placed himself in a hostile atti- 
tude, but attempted to rouse the fury of the Indians, by 
erecting on a pole an effigy of a crow pecking a man's 
head, representing the manner in which the French 
would treat the English if they continued to advance. 

At last, becoming satisfied by letters furnished by 
Major Rogers from the governor-general of Canada, that 
the fort must indeed be surrendered, Captain Bellestre, 
with ill-disguised chagrin, declared his garrison at the 



328 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Indian allies— French troops— Canadian inhabitants. 

disposal of the English commander. The French garri- 
son defiled upon the plain, and laid down their arms. 
The Canadian militia were called together, disarmed, 
and the oath of allegiance administered. The Jleur-de 
lis, which bad for sixty years waved over this little for- 
tress, beneath whose folds had been acted many a stir- 
ring scene in life's drama, was lowered from the flag- 
staff, and the red cross of St. George became the symbol 
of the ruling power. 

With that facile transfer of favor which is everywhere 
paid to power, seven hundred Indians, but a few days 
since the fast allies of the French, now sent up a shout 
of exultation, and tauntingly signified that the English- 
man was the crow, and the French captain the victim. 
The French troops were sent as prisoners of war to Phila- 
delphia, and the Canadian inhabitants were permitted 
to retain their houses and farms, on condition of taking 
the oath of allegiance. Major Rogers, with a small de- 
tachment of troops, attempted to prosecute his journey 
to Michilimackinac, but the advanced season rendered 
this impossible. Leaving Captain Campbell in com- 
mand at Detroit, he set out on his return to Pittsburg, 
on the 23d of December, 1760. 

In the spring of 1761, the British troops, under the 
command of Lieutenant Leslie, took possession of Mich- 
ilimackinac, Green Bay, and the Saut Ste. Marie, and the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 329 

Michilimackinac in 17G1 — Description by Henry. 

whole northwest passed forever from under the dominion 
of France. The French troops gave place to the Eng- 
lish, and, as at Detroit, the cross of St. George floated 
where the fleur-de-lis had so long held sway. The 
jealousy of the Indians was excited by this change of 
rulers ; but the Canadian inhabitants, who had gathered 
within and around the fort at Michilimackinac, preserved 
their tranquillity, while the coureurs des hois were quite 
willing to enjoy the favors of their new allies. A fresh 
impetus was given to the fur-trade, by the reduced prices 
of English goods, and the whole trade at Michilimacki- 
nac was monopolized by four English traders. One of 
these traders, Alexander Henry, who arrived there just 
before the .troops, and who was one of the few that 
escaped the massacre in 1763, thus describes the fort 
and its surroundings : 

" Fort Michilimackinac was built by order of the 
governor-general of Canada, and garrisoned with a small 
number of militia, who, having families, soon became 
less soldiers than settlers. Most of those whom I found 
in the fort, had originally served in the French army. 
The fort stands on the south side of the strait which is 
between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. It has an 
area of two acres, and is inclosed with pickets of cedar- 
wood ; and it is so near the water's edge that, when the 
wind is in the west, the waves break against the stockade. 



330 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Defenses of the Fort — Inhabitants — L'Arbre Croche. 

" On the bastions are two small pieces of brass cannon, 
taken some years since by a party of Canadians who 
went on a plundering expedition against the posts of 
Hudson's Bay, which they reached by the route of the 
River Churchill. Within the stockade are thirty houses, 
neat in their appearance and tolerably commodious, and 
a church, in which mass is celebrated by a Jesuit mis- 
sionary. The number of families may be nearly equal 
to that of the houses, and their subsistence is derived 
from the Indian traders, who assemble here in their voy- 
ages to and from Montreal. Michilimackinac is the 
place of deposit, and point of departure, between the up- 
per and lower countries. Here the outfits are prepared 
for the countries of Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, 
Lake Superior and the northwest ; and here the returns, 
in furs, are collected and embarked for Montreal 

" At the entrance of Lake Michigan, and at about 
twenty miles to the west of Fort Michilimackinac, is the 
village of L'Arbre Croche, inhabited by a band of Otta- 
was, boasting about two hundred and fifty fighting men. 
L'Arbre Croche is the seat of the Jesuit mission of St. 
Ignace de Michilimackinac, and the people are partly 
baptized and partly not. The missionary resides on a 
farm attached to the mission, and situated between the 
village and the fort, both of which are under his care. 
The Ottawas of L'Arbre Croche, who, when compared 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 331 

Disaffection of the Indians— Delaware Prophet 
_ 7 _ 

with the Cliippewas, appear to be much advanced in 
civilization, grow maize for the market of Michilimacki- 
nac, where this commodity is depended upon for pro- 
visioning the canoes." 

Henry says Fort Michilimackinac and the Mission of 
St. Ignace were on the south side of the straits, which is 
corroborated by the ruins still visible, while Father Ma- 
rest, M. Cadillac, and others, distinctly state that these 
places were on the north side. The exact period at 
which the change was effected, cannot be determined ; 
probably it took place at the time of the re-establishment 
of Michilimackinac by the French in 1714. The spirit 
of disaffection with which the Indian tribes at first re- 
ceived their new rulers, was continually increased by the 
haughty and often unjust treatment of the English. Set- 
tlers took possession of the choicest hunting-grounds, 
without even a semblance of treaty or purchase. The 
Delawares and Senecas were most exasperated by these 
acts of aggression, and every means was used by the 
French to add fuel to the flame. A prophet arose 
among the Delawares. By his visions and interpreta- 
tions he aroused the savage hordes, who had been brood- 
ing over their wrongs, but feared to avenge themselves. 

In 1761, an abortive attempt was made to destroy the 
posts along the frontier. During the year 1762 many 
outbreaks occurred, but no decisive blow was struck. It 



333 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Pontiac plans the destruction of the British forts. 

was then that Pontiac, a celebrated chief of the Otta- 
was, conceived a plot for the extirpation of the English 
aggressors. Comprehensive in design, and minute in 
detail, the scheme of Pontiac would have reflected honor 
on any civilized mind. He possessed courage, resolu- 
tion, a certain kind of wisdom, a quick perception and 
ready adaptation, and the gift of convincing eloquence. 
His plans once perfected in his own mind, he persever- 
ingly addressed himself to their accomplishment. Re- 
venge and ambition urged him on. With the close of 
the year 1762, Pontiac's arrangements were complete. 
Far and near he dispatched his swift messengers with 
gifts of tobacco and belts of wampum, to call the tribes 
to a great council on the banks of the River Ecorces, a 
short distance from Detroit. The villages of Pontiac's 
tribe, the Ottawas, and the wigwams of the Hurons and 
Pottawatomies, his more immediate allies, were near the 
place of meeting. Hither came deputations from the 
Iroquois, Delawares, and Senecas of the east, and from 
the Illinois, and all the other numerous tribes of the 
northwest. The council fire was lighted, and the pipe 
of peace was passed around the dusky circle. Then 
Pontiac, the tall and stately chieftain, arose and ad- 
dressed the assemblage in strains of impassioned elo- 
quence. He spoke of their former happiness under the 
mild sway of the French, and detailed the wrongs in- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 333 



Great Council— Pontiac unfolds his plan. 



flicted on them by the English. He repeated the fabri- 
cation of the traders, that Onontio, their great French 
father, was hastening on his soldiers to help them subdue 
the English. He described the numbers and prowess of 
the tribes represented in council, and spoke of the ease 
with which their united efforts could crush the English, 
and restore to the Indian tribes the undisputed possession 
of the hunting-grounds of their fathers. Then unfolding 
his plan, he assigned to the representatives of each tribe 
their part in the great tragedy. The destruction of 
Michilimackinac was allotted to the Ojibwas and Sacs, 
Fort St. Joseph to the Illinois, the forts east and south of 
Lake Erie to different tribes of the Six Nations, while 
Detroit, the most important of them all, was reserved by 
Pontiac for himself and his allied tribes. 

The assembled chiefs expressed their approbation, 
other preliminaries were settled, and with war-dance and 
carousal the vast assemblage dispersed. 

The destructive blow was to be everywhere simultane- 
ously struck, each chief devising his own plan for the 
execution of his part of the scheme. Minavavana, chief 
of the Ojibwas, to whom was assigned the destruction of 
Michilimackinac, adopted a very sinrple expedient, 
which proved but too successful. On the morning of 
the 4th of June, the birthday of King George, a large 
number of Ojibwa chiefs came to the fort, and invited 



334: EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Minavavana — Game of Ball at MichilimackiEac. 

the officers and soldiers to be present at a great game of 
ball which was to be played between their nation and 
the Sacs. It being a holiday, the discipline of the gar- 
rison was relaxed, and the fort was soon half deserted. 
The gates were wide open, and the soldiers stood in 
groups near the palisades, watching the progress of the 
game, many of them unarmed. A large number of the 
Canadians were also present, and a multitude of squaws, 
wrapped in blankets, wandered about among the crowd. 
Captain Etherington and Lieutenant Leslie stood in the 
gateway, the former betting on the success of the players. 
The game progressed to its finale. Parkman thus graph- 
ically describes the scene : 

" The plain in front was covered by the ball-players. 
The game in which they were engaged, called haggatta- 
way by the Ojibwas, is still, as it always has been, a 
favorite with many Indian tribes. At either extremity 
of the ground a tall post was planted, marking the sta- 
tions of the rival parties. The object of each was to de- 
fend its own post, and drive the ball to that of its adver- 
sary. Hundreds of lithe and agile figures were leaping 
and bounding upon the plain. Each was nearly naked, 
his loose black hair flying in the wind, and each bore 
in his hand a bat of a form peculiar to this game: At 
one moment the whole were crowded together, a dense 
throng of combatants, all struggling for the ball ; at the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 335 

Garrison massacred— Officers taken Prisoners. 

next, they were scattered again, and running over the 
grounds like hounds in full cry. Each, in his excite- 
ment, yelled and shouted at the height of his voice. 
Rushing and striking, tripping their adversaries, or hurl- 
ing them to the ground, they pursued the animating con- 
test amid the laughter and applause of the spectators. 
Suddenly, from the midst of the multitude, the ball 
soared into the air, and, descending in a wide curve, fell 
near the pickets of the fort. This was no chance stroke. 
It was part of a preconcerted stratagem to insure the sur- 
prise and destruction of the garrison. As if in pursuit 
of the ball, the players turned and came rushing, a mad- 
dened and tumultuous throng, toward the gate. In a 
moment they had reached it. The amazed English had 
no time to think or act. The shrill cries of the ball- 
players were changed to the ferocious war-whoop. The 
warriors snatched from the squaws the hatchets which 
the latter, with this design, had concealed beneath their 
blankets. Some of the Indians assailed the spectators 
without, while others rushed into the fort, and all was 
carnage and confusion. At the outset, several strong 
hands had fastened their gripe upon Etherington and 
Leslie, and led them away from the scene of massacre 
toward the woods. "Within the area of the fort the men 
were slaughtered without mercy." 
A mere handful of men escaped from this dreadful 



33G EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Green Bay evacuated — Prisoners released — Beach Montreal. 

carnage. For a short time they were held prisoners by 
the Indians, but were finally set at liberty, or ransomed 
through the friendliness of the Ottawas of L'Arbre 
Croche. Captain Etherington, the unfortunate com- 
mander of Michilimackinac, was permitted to send a 
letter to Lieutenant Gorell, commander at Green Bay, 
acquainting him with the disastrous condition of af- 
fairs. 

On the reception of these tidings, Lieutenant Gorell 
immediately resolved to evacuate his post, and return to 
Montreal. Accordingly, on the 21st of June, he em- 
barked, with his troops, in batteaux, accompanied by 
about ninety Indians in canoes. They crossed Lake 
Michigan in safety, and arrived on the 30th at L'Arbre 
Croche. Here they found Captain Etherington, Lieuten- 
ant Leslie, and eleven men, detained as prisoners by the 
Ottawas, yet treated with great kindness. By dint of 
persuasion on the part of Lieutenant Gorell, the prisoners 
were set at liberty, and on the 18th of July, 1763, about 
six weeks after the massacre, the English left L'Arbre 
Croche, escorted by a fleet of Indian canoes. They 
reached the portage of the Ottawa river in safety, and 
arrived at Montreal on the 13th of August. 

Saut Ste. Marie had been partially destroyed by fire 
the previous winter, and was at this time unoccupied 
by the English. The post at Detroit now contained 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 337 

Northwestern posts re-established by the English. 

the only British, soldiers to be found in all the region of 
the lakes. 

For a little more than a year, the forts at Michili- 
mackinac, Green Bay, and Saut Ste. Marie, were only 
occupied by the coureurs des hois, and those Indian 
bands which chose to make them a temporary residence. 

After the treaty of peace with the hostile Indians at 
Detroit, made by General Bradstreet in 1761, Captain 
Howard was dispatched with a sufficiently large detach- 
ment of troops, to take possession of these deserted 
posts ; and once more the cross of St. George was the 
rallying point, and the protection of the adventurous 
traders. 

In 1779, a party of British officers passed over from 
the point of the peninsula to the island of Mickilimacki- 
nac, to reconnoiter, with the intention of removing the 
fort thither. After selecting a location, they asked per- 
mission of the Indians to occupy it. Some time elapsed 
before their consent could be obtained ; consequently, 
the removal was not effected until the ensuing summer. 
A government house, and a few other buildings, were 
erected on the site of the present village, and the troops 
took possession on the 15th of July, 1780. 

The removal of the inhabitants from the main land 

to the island was gradual, and the fort, which was built 

on the site of the present one, was not completed until 

22 



338 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

Fort Holmes—" Isle of the dancing spirits." 

1783. This fortification, standing on a high cliff which 
overlooked the village, occupied a controlling and pro- 
tecting position in regard to the assaults of the In- 
dians ; but, during the war of 1812, another fortifica- 
tion was erected on a still more elevated point, the 
apex of the heights, and named Fort George — subse- 
quently called by the Americans, Fort Holmes, in 
honor of a gallant officer, a Kentuckian, who fell in the 
unsuccessful attempt of Colonel Croghan to retake the 
island in 1S14. 

Like Detroit, Michilimackinac has been the theater 
of many a bloody tragedy. Its possession has been dis- 
puted by powerful nations, and its internal peace has 
continually been made the sport of Indian treachery, 
and of the white man's duplicity. To-day, chanting 
Te D euros beneath the ample folds of 'the fleur-de-lis, to- 
morrow yielding to the power of the British lion, and, a 
few years later, listening to the exultant screams of the 
American eagle, as the stars and stripes float over the 
battlements on the " isle of the dancing spirits." As a 
military post in time of war, the possession of Michili- 
mackinac is invaluable ; but as a commercial mart, now 
that the aboriginal tribes have passed away, the location 
is one of little consequence. 

In these later days, to the invalid and the pleasure- 
seeker, the salubrity of the pure atmosphere, the beauty 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 339 

Michilimackinac — It present importance. 

of the scenery, the historical reminiscences which render 
it classic ground, and the many wild traditions, peopling 
each rock and glen with spectral habitants, combine to 
throw around Michilimackinac an interest and attrac- 
tiveness unequalled by any other spot on the Western 
Continent. 



CHATTER XIX. 

Detroit in 1763 — Description by Bancroft — Number of French inhabit- 
ants — Enumeration in 1764 — French farms — English fort — Gladwyn 
commander — Pontiac's plan for its destruction — His attempt and de- 
feat — Major Campbell's captivity and death — Continuation of the 
siege — Battle of Bloody Bridge — Indians obliged to disperse in search 
of food — Gladwyn provisions the garrison — Comparatively quiet win- 
ter — Fort le Noult built in 1778 — Detroit in 1793 — Description by 
Spencer — Americans take possession of Detroit in 1796. 

Banckoft gives the following beautiful description of 
Detroit and its surroundings, in 1763, just before the 
consummation of the conspiracy of Pontiac : 

" Of all the inland settlements, Detroit was the largest 
and most esteemed. The deep majestic river, more' than 
half a mile broad, carrying its vast flood calmly and 
noiselessly between the strait and well-defined banks of 
its channel, imparted a grandeur to a country whose 
rising grounds and meadows, plains festooned with pro- 
lific wild-vines, woodlands, brooks, and fountains, were 
so mingled together that nothing was left to desire. The 
climate was mild, and the air salubrious. Good land 
abounded, yielding maize, wheat, and every vegetable. 
The forests were natural parks stocked with buffaloes, 
deer, quails, partridges, and wild turkeys. Water-fowl of 



EAKLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 341 

Bancroft's description of Detroit — French population. 

delicious flavor hovered along its streams, which yielded 
to the angler an astonishing quantity of fish, especially 
the white fish, the richest and most luscious of them all. 
There every luxury of the table might be enjoyed by the 
sole expense of labor. 

"This lovely and cheerful region attracted settlers, 
alike white men and savages ; and the French had so 
occupied the two banks of the river, that their numbers 
were rated even so high as twenty-five hundred souls, of 
whom were five hundred men able to bear arms ; three 
or four hundred French families. Yet an enumeration 
in 1764 proved them not so numerous, with only men 
enough to form three companies of militia ; and in 1768, 
the official census reported but five hundred and seventy- 
two souls ; an account which is in harmony with the best 
tradition. The French dwelt on farms which were about 
three or four acres wide on the river, and eighty acres 
deep ; indolent in the midst of plenty, graziers as well as 
tillers of the soil, and enriched by Indian traffic. 

"The English fort, of which Gladwyn was commander, 
was a large stockade, about twenty-five feet high, and 
twelve hundred yards in circumference, including per- 
haps eighty houses. It stood within the limits of the 
present city, on the river bank, commanding a wide 
prospect for nine miles above and below the city." 

In maturing his plans for the destruction of the Eng- 



342 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Pontiac's plot divulged to the English. 

lisli posts, Pontiac had reserved Detroit for his own 
special field of action, partly because his village was on 
a little island just above "He au Cochon," or Belle Isle, 
as it is now called, but more especially because Detroit 
was the most important post, and would require the 
greatest degree of caution and skill to secure its capture. 
That he failed in this most important part of his vast 
project was not owing to any deficiency in his plan, nor 
lack of energy in its execution, but was entirely the result 
of circumstances beyond his control. The treacherous 
chief was himself betrayed. His well-arranged plot was 
divulged to the English. Catharine, a beautiful O/ibwa 
girl who dwelt in the village of the Poftawatomies, 
had become much attached to Major Gladwyn, and 
the day before the intended massacre she brought to 
the fort a pair of moccasins which she had wrought for 
him. Improving the opportunity thus afforded, she re- 
vealed to him the impending danger. The same after- 
noon William Tucker, a soldier at the fort, who had been 
captured in his boyhood, and adopted into the tribe of 
his captors, received from his Indian sister intimations 
of the designs of Pontiac, Avhich he communicated to 
Gladwyn. Strict secrecy was enjoined on Tucker by the 
commander. The little time which remained was dili- 
gently employed in preparing for the assault. The 
guards were doubled, officers were on the alert, soldiers 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 343 



English preparations for defense— Indian war-dance. 



and inhabitants were ordered to be ready for immediate 
service, yet the nature and extent of the danger was un- 
revealed. The garrison consisted of only one hundred 
and twenty-two men, and eight officers. There were also 
about forty traders and engagees who resided in the fort. 
Two small vessels, the Beaver and the Gladwyn, lay 
anchored in the river, though it is not known that their 
commanders were apprised of Pontiac's design. 

The day had been rainy, but toward evening the clouds 
were swept away, and the sun se't gloriously. During 
the afternoon, the Pottawatomies, Hurons, and Ottawas 
had gradually withdrawn from their villages and congre- 
gated at the council-ground of their chief. Only a few 
squaws and little children remained. And now, when 
the light of day had departed, and the curtains of night, 
gemmed with stars, closed around the beautiful earth, 
fierce, discordant notes were borne on the breeze to the 
ears of the wakeful sentinels and anxious officers of that 
feeble fort in the wilderness. jSTot unfamiliar were the 
booming sounds of the Indian drum and the cadence of 
the war-song, now wailing out the dying agony of the 
victim, now shouting the fierce cry of triumph. Then, 
indeed, the garrison needed no explanation of the un- 
wonted preparations ; too well they understood the reason 
for the vigilance of their officers. 

Aware of the vast superiority of the Indian force, 



344 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Pontiac and his Allies cross the Detroit. 

Gladwyn feared that, in the excitement of their fiendish 
orgies, they might break over the authority of their chief, 
and make an immediate attack on the fort. But the 
night of anxious suspense passed away, and the morning 
of May 6th, 1763, dawned upon a quiet landscape. The 
misty vail which hung over the river and obscured the 
southern shore was scarcely lifted, when a large flotilla 
of birch canoes was discovered crossing the river at some 
distance above the fort. Only two or three savages 
could be seen in each, yet the convoy moved slowly, as 
if deeply laden. Every canoe was indeed filled with 
warriors, lying flat on their faces, that their great num- 
bers might not excite suspicion. Pontiac and his nume- 
rous chiefs landed just above Parent's Creek, out of sight 
of the fort, while the other canoes were drawn up along 
the shore nearer the town, and the occupants soon found 
their way to the common behind the fort. They were 
joined by the women and children from the villages, and 
while it was yet early, the extensive area presented an 
animated spectacle. The savage throng moved hither 
and thither as if preparing for a game of ball, a favorite 
pastime with the Indians. Yet there was an uneasy rest- 
lessness, then a suddenly assumed indifference manifested 
by the warriors, which was never apparent in peaceful 
times. 

Meanwhile the brave Gladwyn was on the alert. No 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 345 



Pontiac and sixty Chiefs demand admittance to the Fort 

one was permitted to leave the fort. The impending 
danger was fully known. Every soldier was under arms, 
and Sterling and the other fur-traders closed their store- 
houses, and armed themselves and those in their employ. 
Every thing was in the most complete readiness, and the 
little handful of brave-hearted men calmly awaited the 
result. 

About ten o'clock, sixty chiefs, with Pontiac at their 
head, came marching down the river-road in Indian file. 
They moved slowly on, with solemn and stately tread, 
their faces begrimed with paint, and their heads fantas- 
tically adorned. All were wrapped to the throat in 
colored blankets, beneath which were concealed the 
rifles they had shortened for that purpose. Reaching 
the eastern gate of the fort, they demanded admittance. 
It was readily granted. As Pontiac entered the gate, 
and traversed the short distance which intervened be- 
tween it and the council-house, he became half convinced 
that his plot was discovered. Around the gate, at the 
door of the council-house, and far down St. Anne-street, 
was an unwonted array of armed soldiers. The guns on 
the bastions were also manned, yet all was calm, sternly, 
fearfully calm. 

When they arrived at the door of the council-house, 
the savages found Major Gladwyn and his officers wait- 
ing to receive them. " Why do I see so many of my 



346 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. * 

Council convened— Eloquent speech of Pontiac. 

father's young men standing in the streets with their 
guns?" demanded Pontiac. Gladwyn answered by M. 
la Butte, the interpreter, that it was customary to exer- 
cise the soldiers every day. After some hesitation, Pon- 
tiac and his chiefs seated themselves on the mats prepared 
for them, and the business of the council commenced. 

The customary pause ensued, then Pontiac arose and 
began his harangue. He assured the English of his 
unchanging friendship, and, addressing the commandant, 
said he and his chiefs had come to smoke the pipe of 
peace and strengthen the cords of friendship. 

At any other time, the great Ottawa might have com- 
manded admiration. His tall, majestic form was drawn 
up to its full height as he spoke of the number and 
prowess of his braves, and the lightning flashed from his 
eye while he rehearsed their deeds of valor. When he 
spoke of the English, his reverence for their superior 
knowledge, and his desire to conciliate their favor, the 
subdued expression, bowed head, and half-supplicating 
gestures, were the very personification of graceful, ap- 
propriate eloquence. But life and death hung upon a 
single movement of the treacherous hand which held 
that sacred emblem of peace, a belt of wampum. "With 
the keenest vigilance was every gesture watched by the 
officers as they listened to his hollow words. Once Pon- 
tiac raised the belt to give the preconcerted signal of 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 347 

Discomfiture of Pontiac — Gladwyn's reply — Rage of the Savagi s. 

attack, but the quick eye of Gladwyn caught the motion, 
and he passed his hand across his brow. A sudden clash 
of arms was heard without, the drum rolled the charge, 
and the rapid tramp of armed men resounded along the 
street, Pontiac stood in mute astonishment, while Glad- 
wyn sat unmoved, with his calm eye fixed on the treach- 
erous chief. A few more professions of friendship were 
stammered out, and the belt was presented in the usual 
manner. 

After a pause, Gladwyn commenced a brief reply. 
He assured his savage auditors of the friendship and 
protection of the English so long as they continued to 
deserve it, but threatened the most fearful vengeance 
for any act of perfidy or aggression. The council broke 
up. The gates of the fort, which had been closed during 
the interview, were thrown open, and the baffled savages 
departed. !No sooner were they beyond the precincts of 
the fort than their rage burst forth in most terrific yells. 
A small party rushed madly to a lone house on the com- 
mon, where dwelt an Englishwoman and her two sons, 
whom they massacred. Others ran to the water's edge, 
sprang into their canoes, and proceeded to He au Cochon, 
and wreaked their vengeance on a discharged sergeant 
and his family, who resided there. Meanwhile, the main 
body of the Indians, consisting of about one thousand 
warriors, stationed themselves behind the picket fences, 



34:8 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Removal of Pontiac's camp — Detroit besieged. 

and the houses and barns on the common, and com- 
menced firing upon the garrison. 

It is said that Pontiac took no part in these demon- 
strations, but sullenly walked away alone, embarked in 
his canoe, and paddled to the Ottawa village on the 
southern shore. With every expression of demoniac 
rage, he ordered the immediate removal of the camp 
to the opposite shore. His commands were obeyed with 
the utmost alacrity, and before nightfall the wigwams of 
Pontiac's camp occupied the rising ground beyond Pa- 
rent's Creek. No watery barrier now intervened between 
the blood-thirsty warrior and his beleaguered foe. Detroit 
was in a state of siege. Day and night an incessant 
firing was kept up by the Indians, and a simultaneous 
attack upon the fort was hourly expected. 

When the council was held in the fort, Gladwyn was 
by no means aware of the extent of Pontiac's schemes, 
and considered the attack on Detroit merely as one of 
those impulsive outbreaks which frequently occurred; 
but he was soon undeceived by the commission of an 
act of treachery for which even the Canadians were 
unprepared. 

Major Campbell, who had held the command since 
the country passed into the hands of the British, still re- 
mained at the fort. He was highly esteemed, both by 
the Canadians and Indians. Pontiac formed the design 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 349 

Treachery of Pontiac— Major Campbell retained as Hostage. 



of getting this officer into his possession, and making his 
life an equivalent for the surrender of the fort. 

The Canadians were the means of communication be- 
tween the British and Indians. By them Pontiac sent a 
request that Major Campbell would visit him in his 
camp, that they might " settle all difficulties, and smoke 
the pipe of peace together." He gave the most positive 
assurances that Campbell should be permitted to go and 
return in perfect safety. Messrs. Godfroy and Chapoton 
were deputed to visit Pontiac, and assure themselves of 
his sincerity. Conversant as they were with the Indian 
character, they were deceived by his consummate du- 
plicity, and advised Major Campbell to accept the invi- 
tation. Anxious to terminate this vexatious warfare, 
even at the hazard of his own life, Major Campbell, ac- 
companied by Lieutenant McDongall, and a number of 
Canadians, repaired to Pontiac's camp. 

At first they were well received, but soon became 
aware that they were in the power of a treacherous foe. 
The Canadians were sent back, with a message from 
Pontiac to Major Gladwyn, that Major Campbell and 
Lieutenant McDougall would be held as hostages for the 
surrender of the fort. The prisoners were detained at 
the house of M. Meloche, near the bridge which spanned 
Parent's Creek. They were permitted to walk out occa- 
sionally, and during one of these walks, Lieutenant 



350 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 

Major Campbell massacred by an Ottawa. 

McDougall proposed making an attempt to escape. The 
Indians were so numerous that there was little prospect 
of success; and, fearing that his own defective vision 
might impede the progress of his friend, Major Camp- 
bell declined. They parted, and Lieutenant McDougall 
reached the fort in safety. 

The weary days of Major Campbell's captivity passed 
on. All attempts at negotiation with Pontiac received 
but one reply : " Surrender the fort, and Major Camp- 
bell shall be set free." But those tedious hours were 
numbered — deliverance was near. One day, while 
taking his accustomed walk, he was met by an Ottawa, 
whose uncle, a celebrated chief, had been killed by the 
English at Michilimackinac. Fired with the spirit of 
revenge, the blood-thirsty savage rushed upon Major 
Campbell, and by one blow of the tomahawk put an end 
to his valuable life. Apprehending the vengeance of 
Pontiac, the murderer fled to Saginaw. In vain was 
every effort made by the indignant chief to apprehend 
the miscreant, whose own life would have paid the pen- 
alty of his temerity. The death of Major Campbell was 
a sad blow to the besieged and almost disheartened 
garrison. 

On the 21st of May, the schooner Gladwyn was dis- 
patched to Niagara, to hasten the arrival of the supplies 
which were daily expected. On the 30th, a convoy of 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 351 

Convoy captured — News of the destruction of other Forts. 

boats was descried coming around the point, and the 
whole garrison joyfully flocked to the bastions. A sa- 
lute was fired from the fort, but, instead of the answering 
guns, the Indian death-cry came wailing across the 
waters. The convoy, consisting of twenty-two batteaux 
laden with provisions and munitions of war, and manned 
by a re-enforcement of troops, was in the hands of the 
enemy. The prisoners were taken to He au Cochon, 
and put to death with all the horrors of Indian barbarity. 
This loss was a terrible calamity. Then came the news 
of the destruction of Michilimackinac and St. Joseph's 
at the north, and the capture of Forts Sandusky, Miami, 
and Presqu'ile at the south. West of Niagara and 
Fort Pitt, Detroit was the only remaining post. 

About this time, a large body of the warlike Ojibwas 
joined themselves to the Pottawatomies, Hurons, and 
Ottawas, and Pontiac felt certain of success. Still the 
little fort held out. Every building outside the ramparts 
which could shelter the Indians, was burned with hot 
shot fired from the fort, or by sorties made for that pur- 
pose by the garrison. Every man was on duty. " For 
sixty days and nights," said "William Tucker, one of the 
soldiers, " I was a sentinel on the ramparts, catching a 
few hours sleep, with my clothes on and a gun by my 
side." 

The news of peace between France and England, and 



352 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Neutrality of Canadians — Attempts to burn the Vessels. 

the cession to the English of all the French possessions 
in Canada, reached Detroit on the 3d of June. It was 
immediately communicated to the French inhabitants, 
who found their relations essentially changed. From 
being prisoners by capitulation, they now had the power 
to continue their neutrality, or take part with the con- 
tending parties. They chose to remain neutral ; nor 
could all the persuasions or threats of Pontiac induce 
them to join him. 

On the 30th of June, the vessel which had been sent 
to Niagara for aid, after having been twice attacked by 
the Indians, succeeded in reaching Detroit in safety. 
She brought a re-enforcement of sixty troops, with pro- 
visions and ammunition. 

Pontiac now saw the necessity of destroying the two 
vessels which again lay anchored before the fort. For 
that purpose, rafts were constructed of materials obtained 
by demolishing the barns of some of the inhabitants. 
Pitch and other combustibles were added. The rafts 
were towed to a proper position above the vessels, and 
set on fire, with the expectation that the current would 
bring them in contact, thus securing the destruction of 
these formidable foes. Twice was the attempt repeated, 
but by the precautions of the English, the rafts passed 
the vessels without inflicting the slightest injury. 

On the 29th of July, another fleet of boats was seen 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. • 353 



Captain Dalzell and three hundred Troops reach Detroit 

ascending the river. Former experience had moderated 
the hopes of the weary garrison, but had by no means 
diminished their anxiety. A gun was fired from the 
fort, and, to the great joy of the eager throng, an an- 
swering salute was returned by the boats, each of which 
carried four swivels and two mortars. On board was a 
detachment of three hundred regular troops, under the 
command of Captain Dalzell, an aid-de-camp of the 
British commander-in-chief, Sir Jeffrey Amherst. 

On the very day of his arrival, Captain Dalzell sought 
an interview with Major Gladwyn, and asked permission 
to attack Pontiac in his camp. Fresh, vigorous, and en- 
thusiastic, he endeavored to convince the more cautious 
Gladwyn that the time had come when one decisive 
blow would terminate this vexatious war. Gladwyn 
hesitated, explained the position of affairs, and the dan- 
ger of such an attempt, but was, at last, persuaded to 
yield a reluctant consent. 

By the carelessness of some of the officers, Dalzell's 
design became known to the Canadians, and Pontiac was 
soon apprised of it. He had recently removed his camp 
farther back from the river, beyond the grand marais, a 
locality subsequently well known to the citizens of De- 
troit. The camp was immediately broken up, and the 
Indians repaired to the vicinity of the creek, and sta- 
tioned themselves along the route winch their enemy 



35-i EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 

Expedition against Pontiao's camp — Parent's Creek. 

would traverse. One party of warriors concealed them- 
selves behind the outhouses and cord-wood on a farm 
just beyond the creek ; another was stationed within the 
pickets that lined the road on the farm of M. Dequindre. 
Indeed, wherever there was a place of shelter, beyond 
the range of the cannon at the fort, there a band of In- 
dians was concealed. 

On the morning of the 31st of July, about two o'clock, 
the gates of the fort swung open, and three hundred sol- 
diers marched silently forth. In double file and perfect 
order, they proceeded along the river road, while two 
large batteaux rowed up the river abreast of them. 
Each boat was full-manned, and bore a swivel in the 
bow. The advanced guard of twenty-five men was led 
by Lieutenant Brown ; Captain Gray commanded the 
center, and Captain Grant's detachment brought up the 
rear. The night was dark, still, and sultry. On the 
right of the advancing troops lay the broad, placid river, 
and on their left the farm-houses and picketed fields of 
the Canadians appeared in dim outline. 

Parent's creek entered Detroit river about a mile and 
a half from the fort. At that point its course lay through 
a deep ravine, and only a few rods from its mouth, 
where the road crossed, it was spanned by a narrow 
wooden bridge. For a little distance beyond the bridge, 
the ground was rugged and broken. Along the summit 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 



Night march— Bloody Bridgo — Indian ambuscade. 



of the highest ridges were rude intrenchments, which 
had been thrown up by Pontiac to protect his former 
camp. 

The troops pushed rapidly forward, unsuspicious of 
danger, till they neared the bridge. As they passed the 
farm-houses of the Canadians, the wolfish watch-dogs, 
roused from their slumbers, barked furiously, and some- 
times a head would be seen cautiously protruded from 
a dormer window, but naught gave token of the pres- 
ence of an invisible foe. The bridge was nearly gained. 
On the left stood the house of Meloche, where Major 
Campbell had been held prisoner; in front was the 
bridge, scarcely visible, and beyond rose the banks of 
the ravine, dark as a wall of night. Still onward — the 
advanced guard had reached the farther extremity of 
the bridge, and the main body was just entering upon 
it, when the fearful war-whoop burst forth, and Indian 
guns sent out a volley of leaden death. Half the ad- 
vanced guard fell, and the survivors shrank back ap- 
palled. Captain Dalzell immediately advanced to the 
front, his clear voice rose above the din, and the troops 
rallied, and rushed madly across the bridge and up the 
ascent beyond. But their foes had fled. In vain they 
sought chem in the gloom ; yet their guns flashed almost 
incessantly, and the war-cry rang out with undiminished 
ferocity. The English were unacquainted with the lo- 



356 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Indians attack the British — Captain Gray killed. 

cality, and were soon bewildered in the darkness. At 
every pause of the soldiery, the unseen enemy renewed 
their fire. Farther advance was useless, and the only 
alternative was to retire to the fort, and resume the at- 
tack by daylight. 

Captain Grant withdrew his company across the bridge 
and stationed them in the road. A small detachment 
remained to keep the enemy in check while the dead 
and wounded were conveyed to the batteaux, which, 
during the action, had been rowed up to the bridge, and 
the remaining troops recrossed the bridge and joined 
Captain Grant. During these proceedings a sharp firing 
was kept up on both sides ; and in attempting to dislodge 
the enemy from one of their positions, Captain Gray was 
killed. Suddenly, volley after volley was heard in Cap- 
tain Grant's vicinity. A large body of Indians had taken 
shelter in the house of Meloche, and in the adjoining 
orchards. The brave Grant and his no less courageous 
troops advanced and dislodged the foe at the point of the 
bayonet. From two Canadians whom Captain Grant 
found in the house of Meloche, he learned that the In- 
dians were resolved to effect the complete destruction of 
the English, and had gone in great numbers to occupy 
different points below. An immediate retreat was there- 
fore necessary, and the men resumed their marching 
order. Captain Grant was now in advance, and Dalzell 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 357 

Terrible slaughter— Retreat of the English— Dalzell's death. 

in the rear. About a mile from the fort, on the right as 
they descended, was a cluster of houses and barns in- 
trenched within strong picket fences. The river ran 
close on the left, and there was no way of escape except 
along the narrow passage that lay between. To many 
of the retreating soldiers it was the way of death. 
Hundreds of Indians lay in ambuscade. The troops 
were suffered to advance unmolested till they were di- 
rectly opposite, when, with terrific yells, the Indians 
poured volley after volley upon them. The troops broke 
their ranks, and but for the presence of Dalzell, himself 
twice wounded, they would have fled, and thus secured 
their complete destruction. Encouraged by the voice of 
their leader, the soldiers again rallied, and comparative 
order was restored. A little farther on, the brave Dalzell 
stepped aside from the ranks to aid a wounded soldier, 
and was shot dead by a ball from the enemy. 

The Indians still pressed on in hot pursuit, and de- 
struction seemed inevitable, when Major Rogers and his 
rangers succeeded in gaining possession of the house 
of M. Campau, which commanded the road and covered 
the retreat of the regulars. 

Meantime Captain Grant had moved forward half a 
mile, and was able to maintain his position within the 
inclosure of an orchard until the arrival of the remaining 
troops. All the men he could spare were detached to 



358 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Survivors reach the Fort — Bloody Run. 

different points below, and the constantly arriving troops 
enabled him to reinforce these posts till a line of com- 
munication was formed to the fort, effectually securing 
the retreat. But Major Rogers and his men found them- 
selves besieged in the house of Campau by about two 
hundred Indians. 

The two batteaux, which had brought the dead and 
wounded to the fort, now returned and opened a fire 
from their swivels, which dispersed the savages and 
covered the retreat of Rogers. At eight o'clock in the 
morning the survivors entered the fort, having lost sev- 
enty men killed and forty wounded. 

Thus disastrously terminated the sanguinary battle of 
Bloody Bridge, the most terrible conflict on record in 
the annals of Detroit. Fearfully appropriate is the 
present name of that little stream. Though the bridge 
is gone, the way-marks are all there, and many an eastern 
traveler turns aside to call up reminiscences of the past 
on the very spot where trod the renowned Pontiac, and 
where the life-tide of many victims crimsoned the waters 
of Bloody Run. 

No other battle was fought, but from early in May 
until the end of September, Detroit continued in a state 
of siege. Yet the garrison still held out. At last, when 
hope had almost expired, the advanced season obliged 
the Indians to seek in the chase that sustenance which 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 359 

Termination of the Siege — Treaty of Peace. 

they could no longer find in the vicinity of the fort. By 
great efforts the indefatigable Gladwyn obtained from 
the Canadians sufficient provisions for the town during 
the winter. This longf dreary, hopeless season was passed 
in comparative quietude. 

With the opening of spring the Indian tribes again 
began to move toward Detroit, but the negotiations of 
Sir William Johnson, and the approach of General Brad- 
street, a dreaded name among the Indians, induced them 
to relinquish their vengeful purpose. Treaties of peace 
were at length made, and Michilimackinac, Green Bay, 
and Saut Ste. Marie, were again garrisoned. 

The war of the revolution had no other effect on De- 
troit and the more distant posts, than to subject them to 
greater annoyances from the Indian tribes, though the 
progress of the tide of war was watched with some de- 
gree of anxiety. The success of the American arms at 
Yincennes in 1778, and the prospect that the victorious 
troops would continue their course onward to Detroit, 
induced Major Le Noult, the commanding officer, to 
erect a fort on the rising ground, or " second terrace," 
outside of the palisades, and back of the city. This large 
and efficient fortification was called Fort le Noult until 
after the war of 1812, when it assumed the name of Fort 
Shelby. 

By the treaty of peace made in 1783 between Great 



360 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Indian war — Northwest Territory organized. 



Britain and the United States, it was claimed that Michi- 
gan was within American bounds ; but minor questions 
sprang up between the two governments producing mu- 
tual dissatisfaction, and when President Washington sent 
Baron Steuben to Quebec to make arrangements for the 
transfer of the northwestern forts, he was informed by 
Sir Frederick Haldimand that the surrender of the forts 
could not take place at that time, and was refused pass- 
ports to Niagara and Detroit. 

The Indian tribes, greatly dissatisfied with the aggres- 
sions of the American settlers upon their lands, and 
probably instigated by the British, made frequent at- 
tacks upon the feeble settlements on the borders of Ken- 
tucky and Ohio. An Indian war was the result, and 
Harmar, St. Clair, and Wayne prosecuted their several 
campaigns before peace was established. 

In 1787, the whole region claimed by the Americans 
lying northwest of the Ohio river, though still occupied 
by the British, was organized by Congress into a North- 
west Territory, and Gen. Arthur St. Clair was appointed 
governor. 

Under the British rule, there was a constant improve- 
ment in the appearance of Detroit, but more especially 
in the military appointments. New barracks for officers 
and soldiers were built, and a handsome esplanade, and 
two or three military gardens, were laid out between the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 361 

Description of Detroit in 1793 by Spencer. 

fort and the town. The palisades which surrounded the 
town were extended so as to intersect the corners of the 
fort, and thus afforded additional protection to the in- 
habitants. 

The following minute description of Detroit in 1793 is 
given by Rev. 0. M. Spencer, who was then a lad twelve 
or thirteen years old. "While at play with other boys 
near Cincinnati, Ohio, he was taken captive by a band 
of Miami Indians, and brought to their village, near the 
present site of Fort Wayne. By General Washington's 
request, General Simcoe, commander-in-chief of the Bri- 
tish forces in the northwest, ordered Colonel England, 
who then commanded at Detroit, to ransom the lad. 
After a few months' sojourn with his kind British friends 
at Detroit, he was safely returned to his parents. Though 
a mere child, young Spencer kept a written journal du- 
ring his captivity, which forms the basis of a narrative 
since published, and from which this remarkably correct 
extract is taken. 

" Detroit," says Mr. Spencer, " was then a small town, 
containing only wooden buildings, but few of which were 
well finished, surrounded by high pickets, inclosing an 
area of probably half a mile square, about one-third of 
which, along the bank of the river, as the Strait was 
called, was covered with houses. There were, I think, 
four narrow streets running parallel with the river, and 



362 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 



Citadel— Esplanade— Size and construction of the Fort 



intersected by four or five more at right angles. At 
each end of the second street was an entrance into the 
city, secured by heavy wooden gates. North of this 
street, at the west end of the town, was a space about 
two hundred feet square, inclosed on a part of two 
sides with palisades, within which a row of handsome 
two-story barracks, for the accommodation of the offi- 
cers, occupied the west side, and buildings of the same 
height for the soldiers' quarters, stood on the north and 
a part of the east side. The open space was occupied as 
a parade-ground, where the troops were every day ex- 
ercised by the adjutant. In the northwest corner of the 
large area, inclosed with pickets, on ground slightly 
elevated, stood the fort, separated from the houses by an 
esplanade, and surrounded first by an abatis of tree-tops 
about four feet high, having the butts of the limbs 
sharpened and projecting outward ; then by a deep 
ditch, in the center of which were high pickets; and 
then by a row of light palisades, seven or eight feet 
long, projecting horizontally from the glacis. 

" The fort itself, covering not more than half an acre 
of ground, was square, having a bastion at each angle, 
with parapets and ramparts so high as to entirely shelter 
the quarters within, which were bomb-proof. Its en- 
trance was on the south side, facing the river, over a 
drawbridge, and through a covered way, over which, on 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 363 

Artillery — Officers — Garrison — Shipping. 

each side, were long iron cannon, carrying twenty-four 
pound shots, and which the officers called the ' British 
lions,' while on each of the other sides were planted two, 
and on each bastion four cannon of various caliber — six, 
nine, and twelve pounders. By the side of the gate, 
near the end of the officers' barracks, was a twenty-four 
pounder ; and, for the protection of the south side of the 
town, there were two small batteries of cannon on the 
bank of the river. 

" The fort was garrisoned by a company of artillery, 
under the command of Captain Spear, while two com- 
panies of infantry, and one of grenadiers of the twenty- 
fourth (Colonel England's regiment), were quartered in 
the barracks ; the balance of the regiment was at Mich- 
ilimackinac and other northern posts. 

" In the spring of 1793, there were anchored in the 
river in front of the town, three brigs of about two hun- 
dred tuns each — the Chippewa and the Ottawa, new ves- 
sels, carrying eight guns each, the Dunmore, an old ves- 
sel of six guns, and a sloop, the Felicity, of about one 
hundred tuns, armed with only two swivels, all belong- 
ing to His Majesty George III., and commanded by 
Commodore Grant. There were, besides, several mer- 
chantmen, sloops, and schooners, the property of private 
individuals." 

By the stipulations of the treaty of Greenville, made 



361 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

British evacuate Detroit — Americans take possession. 

by Gen. Wayne with the Indian tribes in August, 1795, 
Detroit and all the region of the northwest became the 
undisputed property of the United States. 

Before evacuating the fort at Detroit, the British sol- 
diery filled the wells with stones, broke the windows of 
the barracks, and locked the gates of the fort, commit- 
ting the keys to the care of an old negro, in whose pos- 
session they were afterward found. 

In 1796, Captain Porter, with a detachment of troops 
from General Wayne's army, took possession of Detroit, 
and flung out to the breeze the first American banner 
that ever floated over the soil of the Peninsular State. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Localities of Detroit — The city in 1701 — In 1763 and 1796 — River Savoy- 
ard — Settlements at Grosse Point, along the St. Clair river — French 
inhabitants — Domestic life — Increase of immigration — Settlements on 
the Detroit — Improved appearance of the country — Social life at De- 
troit — Business — French characteristics — Summer recreations — Le 
grand marais — Winter amusements — Easy life in the fort — Establish- 
ment of the civil government — Michigan territory organized — Detroit 
burned — Arrival of the government officers — Act of Congress for the 
relief of the sufferers by fire — Legislative board organized. 

To enable the reader who is familiar with Detroit as 
it now exists, to trace the boundaries of the old town by 
the well-known localities of the new, we will describe as 
accurately as possible the site of Fort Pontchartrain in 
1701 ; the boundaries of Detroit as it existed in 1763 ; 
and the localities indicated on the map of 1796. 

Old Fort Pontchartrain, built by M. la Motte Cadillac 
in 1701, occupied the ground where now stand the 
" Cooper block," and the Farmers' and Mechanics' and 
Peninsular banks, and extended west a little below the 
" Michigan Exchange ;" thence running south to "Wood- 
bridge-street, which was then the margin of the river, 
thence east and north to the place of beginning, includ- 
ing a space about equal to one square block of the pres- 
ent city. 



366 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Detroit at the time of Pontiac's conspiracy. 

At the time of Pontiac's conspiracy in 1763, the origi- 
nal fortifications had been greatly enlarged (the whole 
town was inclosed in palisades and was called the fort), 
and extended from the river bank, on Griswold-street, 
north to the alley between Jefferson Avenue and Larned- 
street, thence as far as the western boundary of the first 
fort, thence south and uniting with the old palisade, in- 
closing a space about twelve hundred yards in circum- 
ference. " Pontiac's Gate" was the eastern entrance to 
the town, and occupied the site of the United States 
Courthouse. This gate received its name from the fact 
that here the renowned chief entered when he came to 
hold a council with Major Gladwyn, and through it he 
retreated, crest-fallen, when he found that his perfidy 
was discovered. St. Anne's church, a rude chapel, stood 
on the north side of St. Anne-street, nearly in the mid- 
dle of the present Jefferson Avenue, and in front of the 
" Conant block." Opposite the church, on the south 
side of St. Anne-street, was a large military garden, in 
which stood a blockhouse, where all the councils with 
the Indians were held. It was also the place of meet- 
ing for deliberative consultations among the officers 
of the garrison. These two were the only public build- 
ings in the town. 

In 1796, the eastern boundary of the town remained 
the same as far north as Congress-street, then taking an 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 367 

Localities indicated on Map of 1796. 

angular direction, intersected the southeastern angle 
of Fort le Noult or Shelby. The southern angle of the 
palisade, which marked the western boundary of the 
city, was at Cass-street. It extended from the river 
north, and intersected the western angle of the fort, giv- 
ing the town a triangular form. The fort extended from 
"Wayne-street to about half way between Shelby and 
Griswold streets, thence north to Lafayette-street. The 
south side fronted on Fort-street, the southeast angle ex- 
tending across to about half way between Fort and Con- 
gress streets. 

The River Savoyard ran between Congress and Larned 
streets, and emptied into the Detroit near " Kendrick's 
foundry." This stream was sufficiently large to float 
canoes, and parties of officers and their ladies often em- 
barked from the beautiful esplanade, and passed down 
its rippling waters to the broad, placid Detroit. Hither 
and thither, ever within range of the protecting guns of 
the fort, danced the tiny barks with their light-hearted 
voyagers, and the wild song of the Canadian boatmen 
woke the slumbering echoes of the distant shore. 

The large grants of land offered to actual settlers, with 
rations from the fort for a specified time after their arri- 
val, had, during the British domination, induced a few 
Scotch and English families to immigrate, and settle 
along the banks of the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. The 



368 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 

French Inhabitants— Settlements along the St. Clair. 

French inhabitants, many of whom had intermarried 
with the Indians, had been permitted to retain and enjoy 
their farms above and below the city, and when the 
American eagle became the symbol of the riding power, 
they were in a prosperous condition. They owned large 
herds of cattle and wild horses, and numerous flocks of 
sheep, and raised sufficient grain to supply their own 
necessities. Of the manufacture of wool they were en-' 
tirely ignorant, using the fleeces to protect their cellar 
windows from the frost, and like strange appropriations 
of that valuable article. The women were indifferent 
housekeepers, sewing being their principal employment, 
many of them earning considerable sums by the manu- 
facture of rude garments for the Indian traffic. 

Soon after the stars and stripes began to wave above 
the fort, a number of emigrants from France, who had 
spent some years in the colonies, removed to Detroit, and 
about the same time a few Americans also ventured to 
find homes in this far-off wilderness. From 1796 to 1805 
there was a constant, gradual accession to the number of 
inhabitants in the town and surrounding country. A 
small settlement had already been formed at Grosse 
Point, twelve miles above Detroit on Lake St. Clair, and 
a few adventurous farmers had even dared to find homes 
on the St. Clair river, in the vicinity of the present vil- 
lage of Newport. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 5G9 

¥1010117 of Detroit — Agriculture — Mills. 

Along the banks of the Detroit new farm-houses 
arose, and agriculture assumed a better character un- 
der a more enlightened cultivation ; yet the progress 
toward independence was very much slower than in 
new settlements at the present day. The great number 
of Indians compelled the inhabitants to settle in close 
proximity along the rivers, and prevented them from 
selecting the richer lands of the interior. The lack of 
water-power also obliged them to depend solely upon 
the rudely constructed windmills of the French for the 
flouring of their grain; while their lumber was sawed 
by the slow and laborious method of whip-sawing. Six 
miles below the city, on the river Rouge, was a windmill 
known as "Baby's mill," afterward "Enoggs' mill," 
around which was gathered a considerable settlement. 
Another mill was built by a Mr. Peltier on the Savoyard, 
a little way from its entrance into the Detroit. 

"Within the town all was bustle and business ; some of 
the French traders still remained, and they and the- Brit- 
ish merchants had full possession until 1799. Joseph 
Campau, Robert Gonier, George Moniot, Jean Baptiste 
le Duke, Gabriel Cote, Jacques Allaird, Conrad Ten 
Eyck, Hugh Martin, and Meldrum and Park, comprised 
the whole list, and they were very prosperous. All 
kinds of merchandise brought good prices and met with 

ready sales. Coffee sold for thirty-eight cents a pound, 

24 



3 TO EARLY HISTOKY OF MICHIGAN. 

Business within the City — Social Life. 

tea for two dollars ; calico was seventy-five cents a yard, 
and all articles of wearing apparel were in like proportion. 

Colonel Stephen Mack was the first American merchant 
in Detroit. He came in 1799, and with true Yankee inde- 
pendence erected a shanty in the very heart of the city, 
and spread out his goods to the admiring gaze of throng- 
ing customers. He had a large supply of that plaid 
cotton fabric called " apron check," for which he found 
ready sale at the moderate price of one dollar a yard. 
The narrow streets and alleys of the city were constantly 
thronged with savages hastening to the trading-houses to 
exchange their peltries for goods, or reeling about under 
the influence of the baneful " fire-water." At the wharves 
vessels were busy discharging their freights of merchan- 
dise, and receiving return- cargoes of furs from the well- 
filled storehouses. The prevailing style of the dwellings 
was one-story blockhouses with dormer windows, a few 
of which were covered with clapboards. 

In social life, the French characteristics predominated. 
During the summer the days were devoted to business, 
and the evenings were spent by the older portion of 
the inhabitants in social visiting, and by the younger in 
dancing, promenading, and moonlight sailing on the 
beautiful Detroit. Barbecues were occasionally held in 
a grove near Baby's mill, almost the only daytime rec- 
reation during the business season. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 371 

Detroit in Winter — Le Grand Marais. 

In winter, when a vast sea of ice separated them from 
their eastern neighbors, and their Indian allies were far 
in the depths of the forest engaged in the chase, the 
denizens of the fort and of the crowded town gave them- 
selves up to unrestrained pleasure-seeking. Three or 
four miles above the city was a large marsh, called by 
the French Le Grand Marais. It extended down to 
the river brink ; and when the autumnal rains came the 
entire surface was submerged, and the wintry frosts soon 
converted it into a miniature sea of glass. In the ab- 
sence of sufficient snow for sleighing, the Grand Marais, 
which could be readily gained from the icy margin of 
the river, was a favorite drive for the citizens ; and late 
in autumn the young men of the town would erect on its 
border a long one-story building, with stone chimneys 
at each extremity, and furnished with rude tables and 
benches. 

Every Saturday morning during the long, cold winter, 
carioles filled with gay young men and laughing girls 
might be seen gliding over the glassy surface of the ice- 
bound river, or, if there were snow, flying along the 
river road, where now extends the broad and beautiful 
Jefferson Avenue, each finally landing its freight of life 
and beauty at the Hotel du Grand Marais. The box- 
seats of the carioles were always well filled with myste- 
rious baskets and packages, which were speedily trans- 



372 EAKLT HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Pastimes — Improvidence— Life at the Fort. 

ferred to the aforesaid long tables, and soon the rattling 
of the dinner-service was heard in the hills of the gay- 
chatter of the French girls ; and the aroma of the fragrant 
Mocha escaped into the frosty air in delicate smoke- 
wreaths, — an incense of anticipation to the coming re- 
past. As soon as the dinner was over, the tables and 
benches were removed, and dancing commenced, which 
continued until the booming of the evening gun at the 
fort warned the merry party that 

The evening shades might be bnt 'vantage ground 
For some fell foe. 

The next day, Sunday, after morning mass, the gentle- 
men were accustomed to repair to the Grand Marais 
and spend the day in carousal, and feasting on the re- 
mains of yesterday's store. Sleigh-riding on the ice, and 
balls and parties in town, filled up the week's interim. 
The summer's earnings scarce sufficed for the winter's 
waste. 

At the fort all went on prosperously : the troops had 
no other service than the usual military routine in time 
of peace, except, perhaps, the occasional punishment of 
some stray band of marauding savages. A gay, indolent 
life they were leading, very unlike that of their French 
predecessors a century before. 

Meanwhile, the civil government was preparing to 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 373 



Michigan Territory organized — Detroit burned. 



supplant the martial law, by which Detroit from its first 
settlement had been principally controlled. 

On the 11th of January, 1S05, that part of the North- 
west territory lying between Lake Michigan on the 
west, and Lakes Huron, St. Clair, aud Erie, and their 
connecting straits on the east, was organized into a sepa- 
rate territory by an act of Congress. William Hull was 
appointed governor, and Augustus B. Woodward, Fred- 
erick Bates, and John Griffin, judges. The winter 
passed, spring came and departed, and still the expected 
governor and his associates had not arrived. 

On the 11th of June, 1805, just five months after Gov- 
ernor Hull's appointment, a fire broke out at mid-day in 
the midst of the crowded town of Detroit, and when 
darkness settled down upon the world, the whole town 
was one vast scene of smouldering ruins, and the entire 
population were homeless. Within the limits of the 
stockade, one small French-built dwelling-house, on St. 
Anne-street, and a large brick storehouse almost in range 
standing below, near the river, were all that remained of 
the city. During the conflagration, the utmost panic 
and confusion prevailed. The flames raged with such 
fury as to defy all control. There was no place of safety 
within the city. Furniture, once removed, was soon de- 
stroyed by the advancing fire, and, as a last resort, ta- 
bles, chairs, bedsteads, and such other articles as would 



374 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Arrival of the Government Officers — Oath of Office. 

not be thus injured, were sunk in the river, as the only 
means of saving them from the flames. Every skiff and 
canoe was employed in conveying clothing and other 
easily removed valuables across the river. Two larger 
vessels were in port, but they were obliged to drop down 
the river for their own safety. 

The day after the destruction of Detroit, the governor 
and other territorial officers arrived. A sad spectacle 
presented itself to the astonished gaze of these newly- 
appointed dignitaries. Instead of a flourishing town, 
growing rich by a lucrative traffic with the Indians, they 
found only a wide-spread waste of still smoking ruins. 
The inhabitants, suddenly impoverished and greatly dis- 
heartened, were gathered on the common within range 
of the guns of the fort, with no other abiding- place than 
cloth tents, or rude huts erected from such materials as 
they could obtain. The little children, and the sick and 
aged, had found refuge among the hospitable farmers on 
both sides of the river. The fort afforded an asylum for 
the governor and his suit. 

On the second Tuesday of July, 1805, the oath of 
office was administered to the several territorial officers, 
and Michigan commenced its governmental existence. 
Again inspired with hope, the inhabitants of Detroit gath- 
ered together their remaining means, and began to build 
for themselves new homes. The first house in the new 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 375 

Act of Congress concerning the new Town. 

town was erected by Peter Audrain, secretary of the ter- 
ritory. Numerous other dwellings were soon built, and 
the town began to assume a less desolate appearance. 
Yet there was much suffering among those of the inhab- 
itants whose whole available property had been de- 
stroyed. 

On the 10th of October, 1805, an official statement of 
the destruction of the city, and the consequent deplora- 
ble condition of the inhabitants, was made to the Secre- 
tary of State, by Governor Hull and his associates. At 
the next session of Congress, the following act was passed 
for the relief of the sufferers, and to encourage an in- 
creased immigration : 

" Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States of America, in Congress 
assembled : That the governor and judges of the terri- 
tory of Michigan shall be, and they are hereby author- 
ized to lay out a town, including the whole of the old 
town of Detroit and ten thousand acres adjacent, ex- 
cepting such parts as the President of the United States 
shall direct to be reserved for the use of the military de- 
partment, and shall hear, examine, and finally adjust all 
claims to lots therein, and give deeds for the same. And 
to every person, or the legal representative of every per- 
son, who, not owing or professing allegiance to any for- 
eign power, aud being above the age of seventeen years, 



376 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Donations of Land to the Sufferers. 

did, on the eleventh day of June, one thousand eight 
hundred and five, when the old town of Detroit was 
burnt, own or inhabit a house in the same, there shall 
be granted by the governor and the judges aforesaid, or 
any three of them, and where they shall judge most 
proper, a lot not exceeding the quantity of five thousand 
square feet. 

" §2. And be it further enacted, that the land remain- 
ing of the said ten thousand acres, after satisfying claims 
provided for by the preceding section, shall be disposed 
of by the governor and judges aforesaid, at their discre- 
tion, to the best advantage, who are hereby authorized 
to make deeds to purchasers thereof, and the proceeds of 
the lands so disposed of, shall be applied, by the gov- 
ernor and judges aforesaid, toward building a courthouse 
and jail in the town of Detroit ; and the said governor 
and judges are required to make report to Congress, in 
writing, of their proceedings under this act." 

The " Journal of the Proceedings of the Board of Gov- 
ernor and Judges of the Territory of Michigan," contains 
the following record : 

" Pursuant to the above act of Congress, the governor 
and judges of the territory of Michigan convened at the 
house of Governor Hull, on Saturday, September sixth, 
one thousand eight hundred and six. Present, William 
Hull, Governor; Augustus B. Woodward, Chief Judge, 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 377 



Legislative Board organized — Officers — Judge Woodward. 



and Frederick Bates, Senior Associate Judge. Peter 
Audrain was continued legislative secretary, and Asa 
Jones was appointed sergeant-at-arms, with a compensa- 
tion of twenty-five dollars a month. After the business 
of organizing had been dispatched, the act of Congress 
was read, and referred to Judge Woodward as commit- 
tee, with instructions to report from time to time, by bill 
or otherwise." 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Judge Woodward's plan for the new city of Detroit — Survey of the city 
— Apportionment of lots — Incorporation of the Bank of Detroit — First 
code of laws published called the "Woodward Code" — Bank charter 
revoked in 1809— Land granted for St. Anne's church, Koman Catho- 
lic — Building lots granted for boys' and girls' schools — Besolution to 
grant building lots to foreigners — Peter Desnoyers — Building lot 
granted for a Protestant church — Tecurnseh plans the destruction of 
Detroit — Disaffection of the Shawanese and Wyandots induces the in- 
habitants to build a stockade around the new city — Governor Hull 
effects a treaty with the Indian tribes in 1807 — Facetious resolution 
of Judge Woodward — Resolution concerning American manufactures — 
Answer to an official communication from Governor De Witt Clinton, 
and others, of the State of New York. 

The following is a copy of a bill presented by Judge 
"Woodward, at the very next session of the Board, held 
September 8th, 1806 : 

"Resolved, That it is expedient immediately to lay out 
and survey a town under the said act of Congress, and 
to adjust the titles and claims to lands and lots therein. 

" Resolved, That the basis of the said town be an equi- 
lateral triangle, having each side of the length of four 
thousand feet, and having every angle bisected by a 
perpendicular line upon the opposite side, such parts be- 
ing excepted as, from the approximation of the river or 
other unavoidable circumstances, may require partial 
deviations. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 379 

Apportionment of City Lots to Claimants. 

" Resolved, That it will be expedient to allow and con- 
vey to individuals having legal claims, the lots within 
their respective limits, reserving so much as may be 
necessary for public squares or spaces, avenues, streets, 
and lanes, the increased value of the property as lots be- 
ing considered as more than an equivalent for the same, 
excepting in some particular cases, where the proprietor, 
having but a small quantity, the whole or the greater 
part rnay be taken up, in which case special indemnifi- 
cation will be necessary ; and reserving also to those 
having legal rights, and who may not think the benefit 
greater than the damage, the right of having their 
damage ascertained according to law. 

"Resolved, That it will be expedient, in adjusting the 
titles and claims, to allow to every person the quantity 
to which he may have a good title ; and when a person 
has been in possession of a farm without a good title, to 
allow him the quantity he was in possession of in front, 
by nine thousand feet in rear, provided that encroach- 
ment on public land, unusual and unjustifiable under the 
circumstances of the country, be not comprehended 
therein. 

" Resolved, That it will be expedient to make deeds 
immediately to proprietors and purchasers, securing all 
sums due to the public by mortgages and bonds. 

" Resolved, That it be requested of Mr. Joseph "Wat- 



3S0 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Act of Incorporation — Plan of the new City. 

son to prepare the deeds, mortgages, and bonds which 
may be necessary, at the following charges, to be paid 
by the party receiving the title : that is to say, for a 
deed, one dollar ; for a mortgage, one dollar ; for a bond 
or other writing, twenty-five cents. 

" JResolved, That the committee on this subject be in- 
structed to report a bill or bills to carry into execution 
the preceding resolutions, and that the committee be 
farther instructed to collect a list of all claims, and from 
time to time report an opinion on the respective claims. 

" Resolved, That it will be expedient immediately to 
incorporate the said town of Detroit into a city, and to 
provide by law for the government of the same." 

On the 13th of September, 1806, we find the following 
record : " The engrossed bill relative to the city of De- 
troit was read a third time, and thereupon 

"IZesolved, unanimously, that the said bill do pass to 
be a law, and that the title of the said law be, ' An Act 
concerning the City of Detroit.' " 

The plan of the new town of Detroit, said to be similar 
to that of Byzantium, was on a magnificent scale, and, if 
fully carried out, would have far surpassed the present 
city. Jefferson and Woodward Avenues, and some of 
the streets near the river, were immediately surveyed, 
and the adjudication of claims went on as rapidly as 
possible. Early in 1807 the whole survey was com- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 381 

Bank of Detroit—" Woodward Code of Laws." 

pleted. The triangle around the fort was the military 
reservation, and was not divided into lots until about 1826. 

The great scarcity of money in the territory, and the 
difficulties arising from using only specie as the commer- 
cial medium, had long been felt by the merchants, and 
on the very day of the organization of the " Board of 
Governor and Judges," a petition was presented by Kus- 
sel Sturges, Henry Bass, Jr., Benjamin "Wheeler, Samuel 
Coverly, Nathaniel Parker, and Bazillary Homes, and 
their associates, stating that they were merchants on the 
Atlantic coast, and interested in the peltry trade in 
Michigan, and that they had experienced great hazards 
and inconveniences in the transmission of specie to so 
great a distance, and praying, for that and other reasons, 
for the passage of an " act of incorporation for a bank at 
Detroit." The subject was referred to Governor Hull, 
as committee. On Monday, September loth, 1806, a 
bill was passed incorporating the first " Bank of Detroit." 

During the winter of 1805-6, the Legislative Board 
had been busy in establishing a more efficient judiciary 
system ; and in May, 1806, the first code of laws for the 
territory of Michigan was adopted and published. They 
were drafted by Judge Woodward, and were called the 
" Woodward Code." These laws, with the Act of incor- 
poration and plan of the city of Detroit, and the " Act 
incorporating the Bank of Detroit," were approved by 



382 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

St. Anne's Cathedral — Eev. Gabriel Richard. 

Congress at its next session, early in 1807. The exist- 
ence of the Bank of Detroit was very brief; its bills were 
in circulation until 1809, when the charter was revoked 
by Congress. The bank was built on the northwest cor- 
ner of Jefferson Avenue and Randolph-street, and two 
lots were sold to the directors for three hundred and 
ninety-five dollars and seventy-five cents. 

The Franciscans had sustained a mission at Detroit 
from the period of its settlement in 1701, and at the time 
of the fire in 1805, St. Anne's church was the only house 
of worship in the town. In consequence of the widening 
of the street, in the new plan of the city, the old church 
site was found to be nearly in the center of Jefferson Ave- 
nue. It therefore became necessary to obtain a new loca- 
tion. Accordingly, on the 4th day of October, 1806, the 
governor and judges granted a petition to that effect, 
made by Rev. Gabriel Richard, Vicar-general of the or- 
der of Sulpitians, by the following enactment : 

"Resolved, That the Roman Catholic church be built 
in the center of the little military square, on section No. 
1, on the ground adjacent to the burying-ground ; the 
said lot fronting on East and "West Avenue,* two hun- 
dred feet wide, and running back two hundred feet deep, 
and bounded on the three sides by three other streets." 

° Michigan Avenue. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 383 

Catholic School- — Meeting of the Inhabitants. 

The previous day a petition from Angelique Campeau 
and Elizabeth "Williams (nuns), asking for the donation 
of a lot on which to erect an academy for young ladies, 
was received, and referred to the standing committee. 
A petition was also presented by Kev. Gabriel Richard, 
asking for a lot for an academy for boys. Subsequently, 
a lot was donated for the nuns' school, on what is now 
the comer of Randolph and Congress streets, and one for 
the boys' academy on Bates-street, opposite the site for 
St. Anne's cathedral. 

The " governor and judges" found great difficulty in 
adjusting the claims of the inhabitants of the old town of 
Detroit, to the satisfaction of all parties ; and, finally, a 
meeting of the citizens was called on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, 1806, to devise some means by which this object 
could be accomplished. The following plan for adjust- 
ing the donation claims of the inhabitants of the old town 
of Detroit was finally agreed upon, and a committee ap- 
pointed to present it to the Board, by whom it was 
adopted : 

"The committee chosen by the inhabitants of the late 
town of Detroit, on Saturday, the 11th inst., recommend 
to the honorable Legislative Board the following plan 
for adjusting their donation claims in the first class : 

" All those belonging to the first class who have im- 
proved the lots now in their possession, we conceive 



384 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Resolutions concerning " Donation lots.*' 

ought to retain them for their donation, or in exchange 
for an equal quantity of ground in the old town, paying 
for the surplus feet, agreeable to the conditions of sale : 
to wit, two cents for each square foot. All lots that the 
Legislative Board have disposed of since the Act of Con- 
gress, or that remain unsold, together with those that are 
improved, ought to be numbered and balloted for by the 
claimants of the first class who are not satisfied. All 
those persons who have built dwelling-houses on lots 
considered to be in the first class, and who are claim- 
ants in the second class, shall retain said lots by paying 
to the person in the first class who draws the lot, two 
cents for each square foot, in the course of twelve 
months. Those who are not claimants, having built a 
dwelling-house on a lot in the first class, ought to pay to 
the person drawing said lot, the same price that the 
Legislative Board were to receive. It is understood by 
the committee, that the lots for the first class should be 
those fronting on the Courthouse Avenue from the river, 
to the corner lots on the north side of Main-street, inclu- 
sive, and those on the street commonly called Main- 
street. 

" The claimants in the second class ought to have the 
next choice of the best lots remaining after the first class 
is satisfied, and to have their claims adjusted on the same 
system with the first class. 



EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 3S5 

Liberal construction of "Act of Congress." 

"The claimants in the third class should have the 
next choice of the best lots remaining after the second 
class are satisfied, and the system taken to adjust their 
claims to be the same as recommended for the first 
class." 

Then came petitions for " donation lots," from married 
women, minors, and persons residing outside of the pali- 
sades at the time of the fire, but now, by the new city 
survey, brought within the corporation, the result of 
which was the passage of the following resolution by the 
"Board:" 

" Tuesday, November 11th, 1806. — On motion of Judge 
"Woodward: Resolved, That the governor and judges 
will so construe the Act of Congress, that wives, and 
those who resided out of the old town, but within the 
corporation, shall be considered donees, and that the 
donations of married women, and persons residing out 
of the town, but within the corporation, shall, in all 
cases, be to the northward and westward of the Catholic 
Church Square, and not on the Avenue leading from the 
Catholic Church Square to the Statehouse Circus." 

Notwithstanding this liberality, there still remained 
one class of sufferers unprovided for — the foreign resi- 
dents, principally French, who had not sworn allegiance 
to the United States. In many instances they were 
among the most prominent citizens, and strong adherents 



386 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN - . 

Foreign residents — Peter D&snoyers. 

to the American interests. To meet their necessities, we 
find the following record on the journal of the governor 
and judges : 

" Thursday, January 22c?, 1807. — On motion of the 
governor : Resolved, That any person or persons born in 
a foreign country, but having resided in this country 
since the independence of the United States, over the 
age of seventeen years, and having owned or inhabited 
houses at the time of the conflagration of the town of 
Detroit, and who produce no other evidence of their not 
owing or professing allegiance to any foreign power than 
their residence here, and their being subjected to the 
laws of the country, ma} r , if they think proper, be heard 
before the Board on the question of their right to a dona- 
tion lot under the Act of Congress." 

In compliance with the above resolution, Peter Des- 
noyers appeared before the Board, and made the follow- 
ing statement : 

" Peter Desnoyers, a native of France, of the age of 
thirty-four years, arrived at Detroit on the seventeenth 
day of August, 1796, in the quality of armorer, in the 
service of the public. He came from Paris to America 
in the year 1790, lived at Gallipolis several years, and 
afterward at Pittsburg, from which place he came to 
Detroit, where he has resided ever since. He has never 
professed allegiance to the government of France, or to 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 3S7 

First Protestant Church— Tecumseh and EUshwatawa. 

any other foreign government, since his landing in the 
United States." 

Henry Berth] et, John Gentle, George Smart, William 
McDowell Scott, and others, also obtained a hearing be- 
fore the Board, and, after due consideration, donation 
lots were granted to the several applicants. 

On Monday, April 27th, 1807, " a petition for a lot on 
which to build a Protestant church,"' was presented to 
the Board, and a lot on the corner of Larned-street and 
"Woodward Avenue was granted, and a house of worship 
erected, known as the First Presbyterian church. Rev. 
John Monteith was the first Protestant clergyman em- 
ployed by the citizens of Detroit, and through his instru- 
mentality a Protestant church was organized, embracing 
all the different denominations then represented in the 
city. No distinctive creed was adopted, but the form of 
organization was Presbyterian. 

In 180G, the celebrated chief Tecumseh, and his 
brother Ellshwatawa, or the prophet, belonging to the 
Shawanese tribe, devised a plan, quite similar to the 
famous project of Pontiac, to effect the destruction of 
Detroit and the other American settlements in the terri- 
tory. -They were probably encouraged in this by the 
British, whose allies they were. The disaffection soon 
manifested by the Wyandots and other Indians in the 
vicinity of Detroit, caused the governor, early in 1S07, 



388 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Stockade built around the new Town. 

to order the inclosure of the inhabited part of the new 
town in a strong stockade. The eastern boundary of this 
stockade was along the eastern line of the " Brush farm," 
about where Brush-street now runs. There was a gate 
on Atwater-street, near the present Pontiac depot, and 
a blockhouse on Jefferson Avenue, a few rods east of the 
present site of the Biddle House. The western line of 
the stockade ran along the eastern line of the Cass farm , 
then known as the Macomb farm, and the western gate 
was on Jefferson Avenue, about one hundred feet below 
Cass-street. The northern line ran about in range with 
the fort. During the year 1807, General Hull effected 
a treaty with the Ottawa, Chippewa, Pottawatomie, and 
"Wyandot tribes, yet the threatening movements of the 
Shawanese, and the little reliance that could be placed 
on Indian fidelity, had its influence in retarding the very 
rapid growth of Detroit. Still there was a constant 
jxrogress. Many of those who have since given character 
and influence to this chief city of a prosperous State, 
were young, enterprising immigrants to Detroit, between 
1807 and 1812. 

" The Board of Governor and Judges" were busy ad- 
justing land claims, and devising and perfecting such 
plans for the future prosperity of the city as came within 
their province. Their "Journal" contains no record of 
particular interest to the general reader, except the fol- 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 389 

Judge Woodward's " Resolution" — Indian disaffection. 

lowing extracts. On Friday, Oct. 14th, 1810, the fa- 
cetious Judge Woodward offered the following reso- 
lution : 

"Resolved, That the president of the governor and 
judges, sitting under the ' Act of Congress concerning 
the town of Detroit,' and under the ordinance, be re- 
spectfully requested to accommodate the said governor 
and judges with fire during their sitting; the expense 
accruing thereby to be defrayed, one moiety from the 
territorial funds, and the other in the same manner as 
other expenses attending the execution of the said 'Act 
of Congress,' or in such other equitable proportion as the 
said president, from his knowledge of the arithmetical 
rules of proportion, vulgar and decimal fractions, and the 
algebraic rules of equation, shall ascertain to be reason- 
able and conscientious." 

The resolution did not pass, but we presume a fire was 
speedily provided. 

The growing disaffection between the United States 
and Great Britain, its evident effect upon the Indians, 
and the probable result, were subjects of much interest 
to Detroit. Fully sympathizing with the general govern- 
ment, and imbued with the American spirit of resistance 
and independence, on Saturday, January 19th, 1S11, 
Judge Woodward, clothed completely in American 
manufactures, moved the following resolution : 



390 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Legislative action concerning American manufactures. 

" "Whereas, the encouragement of American manufac- 
tures is a duty inrposed on all good citizens of the United 
States, by the dictates of benevolence as well as by the 
injunctions of patriotism ; and whereas the consumption 
of domestic manufactures is, at the same time, the most 
simple and the most efficacious encouragement of them ; 
and whereas it is at all times becoming that those who 
receive both honors and emoluments from the execution 
of public trusts should exhibit themselves the foremost in 
examples of utility ; therefore, 

" Resolved, That it be respectfully and earnestly recom- 
mended by the legislative authority of the territory of 
Michigan, to all the officers of this government, to ap- 
pear clothed in articles the manufacture of the continent 
of North America, at all times, when engaged in the 
execution of any public duty, power, or trust, from and 
lifter the fourth day of July, 1813." 

This resolution " was passed unanimously, and a copy 
thereof was signed by the members and attested by the 
secretary, in order to be deposited in the office of the 
secretary of the territory ; and the secretary was ordered 
to take such measures for the further publication and 
communication of the same, as he might judge expe- 
dient." In accordance with the above direction, James 
Watson, Secretary of the Board, wrote the following let- 
ter to an editor in Pittsburg, Penn. : 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 391 



Legislative correspondence — Internal navigation of New York. 



"Detkoit, Mich., January 29th, 1811. 

" E. Pentlane, Esq., 

' ' Editor of the Commonwealth : 
"Sir — In obedience to directions received from the 
legislative authority of the territory of Michigan, I hereby 
take the liberty of requesting that you will insert the an- 
nexed resolution, at an early period, in your paper ; and 
have the honor to be 

"Your fellow-citizen, and 

"V. 0. H. S., 

"JAMES WATSON." 

" Thursday, January 9th, 1812. — The committee, to 
whom was referred the communication from the com- 
missioners of internal navigation in the State of New 
York, made the following report, which was unanimous- 
ly adopted : 

"Whereas, the commissioners of internal navigation 
in the State of New York have addressed to the gov- 
ernor and judges of the territory of Michigan certain 
communications relating to a canal in the State of New 
York, which have been duly considered ; therefore, 

" Resolved, That in the opinion of the undersigned, 
the canal contemplated by the commissioners, from 
Black Rock to Rome, would not be so desirable as a 
canal around the cataract of Niagara, and another by 
the Falls of Oswego." 



392 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Letter to the Commissioners of the State of New York. 

On Tuesday, January 14th, 1812, a letter inclosing 
the above resolution, was signed by the governor and 
judges of Michigan, addressed to Governeur Morris, De 
"Witt Clinton, Simeon Dewitt, William North, Thomas 
Eddy, Robert R. Livingston, and Robert Fulton, Esqrs., 
commissioners of internal improvement in the State of 
New York. 




One or the drst Jui 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Renewed disaffection of the Indians — Resolution to increase the mili- 
tary force — William Hull appointed commander-in-chief of the military- 
force of the northwest — Army of twelve hundred raised in Ohio — Gen. 
Hull proceeds to Detroit — Vessels containing valuables captured by 
the British — Orders from the Secretary of "War — Army cross the river 
to Sandwich — Col. Cass takes Canard Bridge — Gen. Hull returns to 
Detroit without attacking Maiden — Surrenders Detroit to the British 
— Facts concerning the surrender obtained from an eye-witness — Col. 
Lewis Cass appointed governor. 

During the year 1811, the Indians, probably instigated 
by the British, had occasioned some trouble to the in- 
habitants of Michigan, and no sooner had winter set in, 
separating this thinly-populated region from eastern aid, 
than their savage neighbors showed symptoms of in- 
creasing disaffection. This state of affairs caused the 
Legislative Board to pass the following resolution, which 
was subsequently carried into effect : 

" Whereas, the turbulent disposition manifested by the 
savage tribes in the vicinity of this territory, menaces it 
with danger: 

" Resolved, That if, in the opinion of the governor of 
this territory for the time being, it shall be deemed 
necessary to call any part of the militia of this territory 
into actual service, should not the general government 



394 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

War with Great Britain declared— Northwestern Army. 

provide for their pay and subsistence, this government 
will do it, provided that, previous to incurring such ex- 
pense, an estimate thereof, and the number proposed to 
be called into service, be laid before the governor and 
judges of the Territory of Michigan, acting in their legis- 
lative department." 

"War was declared by Congress against Great Britain 
on the 18th of June, 1812, but by a most culpable neg- 
lect on the part of the War Department, the north- 
western frontier was not apprised of it until the enemy 
was upon them. Indeed, the first intimation of the decla- 
ration of war, received by Lieut. Ilancks, commandant at 
Michilimackinac, was a demand from the enemy to sur- 
render the fort, which occurred on the 17th of July. 

Previous to the declaration of war, and in anticipation 
of such an event, General William Hull, governor of 
Michigan, was appointed commander-in-chief of all the 
forces of the northwest. An army of twelve hundred 
men, drafted from Ohio by the President, and consider- 
ably augmented by volunteers, was collected at Dayton, 
Ohio. This force was divided into three regiments, 
which were placed under the command of Colonels 
McArthur, Cass, and Finelly. A fourth regiment of in- 
fantry, numbering about three hundred men, under Colo- 
nel Miller, completed the Ohio army. General Hull 
was commanded to proceed to Detroit, and there await 



EAKLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 395 



American vessel captured— Orders to General Hull. 



farther orders. The army left Dayton about the middle 
of June. They were obliged to cut their way through a 
trackless forest, and, after enduring many hardships, ar- 
rived at Detroit on the 5th of July. 

A vessel which had been hired to convey to Detroit a 
few sick soldiers, hospital stores, General Hull's baggage, 
and many valuable documents, took the usual course up 
the river, by the Maiden channel. On arriving opposite 
Maiden, the vessel was captured by the British, the 
astonished crew being informed by the boarding officer 
that war was actually declared. 

On the 9th of July, General Hull received the follow- 
ing orders from Mr. Eustace, Secretary of War : " Should 
the force under your command be equal to the enter- 
prise, and should it be consistent with the safety of your 
own posts, you will take possession of Maiden, and ex- 
tend your conquests as circumstances will allow." The 
army, whose numbers were increased by the Michigan 
militia, manifested great anxiety to engage in this under- 
taking, and urged upon their commander its immediate 
prosecution. Maiden was the key to that portion of the 
British provinces, and its possession was of great im- 
portance to the Americans. The garrison was weak, and 
seemed an easy conquest. 

Having made arrangements for the expedition, General 
Hull crossed the Detroit river on the 12th day of July, 



396 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Expedition against Maiden— Canard Bridge. 

and encamped at Sandwich. Here he issued a procla- 
mation to the inhabitants, urging them to enroll them- 
selves under the American banner. " Had I any doubt 
of ultimate success," says this proclamation, " I should 
ask your assistance ; but I come prepared for every 
emergency. I have a force which will break down all 
opposition, and that force is but the vanguard of a much 
greater." 

Day after day passed, and the army still remained en- 
camped at Sandwich. Weary of the monotony of the 
camp, Colonel Cass, with a detachment of about two 
hundred and eighty men, left the camp to reconnoiter 
the ground toward Maiden. He found a picket of the 
British army stationed at Canard Bridge. A skirmish 
ensued; the enemy were routed, with the loss of ten 
men, and the Americans took possession of the bridge. 
It was only four miles from Maiden, and Colonel Cass, 
deeming it an important post, urged General Hull to re- 
tain it as a good position for a future attack. His sug- 
gestion was disregarded. After remaining nearly a 
month at Sandwich in a state of inactivity, with a brave, 
vigorous army chafing under the restraint, General Hull 
was so much intimidated by the hostile manifestations 
of the Indians, and the report that a large British force 
would soon arrive at Maiden, that he recrossed the river 
to Detroit, on the 9th of August, without having made a 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 397 

General Hull returns with his Army to Detroit. 

single attack upon Maiden. Here he remained until the 
15th, the day of his inglorious surrender. Every cir- 
cumstance connected with this most unaccountable and 
disgraceful affair is too well known to need repetition. 
The course pursued by General Hull seems more strange, 
from the fact that, in the army of Washington, he had 
distinguished himself by his bravery. 

The facts contained in the following account of the 
surrender, were given me by Mrs. M. McCarty, one of 
the daughters of Peter Audrain, first secretary of the ter- 
ritory, who then resided at Detroit. It presents a social 
and domestic picture of that eventful time. I have pre- 
served the narrative form, but am unable to give the 
language of the narrator. 

" Detroit, in 1812, scarcely deserved the name of town, 
for it was, in reality, but a small village. The old town 
had been burned to the ground, and the inhabitants were 
obliged to build such houses as their means would allow, 
and but few of these were either elegant or convenient. 
Atwater was then the principal street, and the dwellings 
there were quite compact. A few houses were scattered 
here and there on the other streets; and around the 
whole town — small, compared with its present dimen- 
sions — was a stockade of tall pickets, as a protection 
from the Indians. Between the town and the fort there 
was no stockade, but the space was laid out in a beauti- 



398 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Detroit and its Defenses in 1812. 

ful esplanade, where the troops were drilled and exer- 
cised. Then came the fort, with its grass-covered sides, 
surrounded by a deep moat. All around the top of the 
fort, on the inside, were placed the cannon, alike for 
destruction and defense. On the west side of the fort 
was the cantonment, built around a neat court, with 
gravel walks and shade-trees. Two sides of the canton- 
ment were dwellings of the officers' and soldiers' families, 
and the other two sides were barracks. At the w T est end 
of the town, near the gate of the stockade, stood the cita- 
del, a strong blockhouse, used also for a guard-house. 
Along the river, above and below the city, were the 
farms of the inhabitants, mostly French, some of whom 
were devoted to the British, and some to the American 
interests. 

" The morning before the surrender was sultry in the 
extreme. The sky was overspread with a thick haze, not 
a breath of wind lifted the drooping foliage, and the 
straggling rays of sunlight which now and then pierced 
through the gloom, were pale and sickly. Humanity 
seemed, for once, in unison with nature — listless and un- 
happy. Men gathered in groups about the market-place, 
and talked gloomily of the war, and their own future 
prospects ; old women rocked to and fro, recalled their 
superstitions, and prophesied evil at hand ; children 
were uncommonly peevish; and the usually bustling 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN". 399 

Batteries at Sandwich — Panic of the Inhabitants. 

housewife, languid and depressed, shrank from the bur- 
den of her daily duties. 

" "We had scarcely breakfasted, when the clatter of a 
horse's hoofs was heard along the streets, and the sten- 
torian voice of an officer warned the inhabitants to seek 
a place of safety, as the batteries recently thrown up at 
Sandwich would probably soon open their fire upon the 
town. Immediately all was panic and confusion ; women 
bustling about, packing their valuables for removal; 
men running to and fro, seeking a retreat for those 
dearer to them than life ; crying infants clinging to their 
half-distracted mothers, and older children everywhere 
but where they should be, made the town a second Babel. 
About noon the inhabitants began to leave the town ; 
but, alas ! where is safety in the midst of the stirring 
scenes of war? Our enemies were near us with their 
missiles of destruction ; the forest swarmed with Indians, 
professing friendliness — yet who would vouch for savage 
integrity, should the enemy gain the ascendency? A 
deep ravine on the ' Cass farm,' a short distance below 
the city, then owned by General McDonald, seemed to 
offer the best security, and there the women and children 
were assembled, with a few of the sterner sex for pro- 
tectors. 

" The cannonading commenced at four o'clock in the 
afternoon, and continued at intervals during the night, 



400 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

British cannonade the Fort without effect 

keeping us in constant alarm, but doing little injury on 
either side. Often, while we sat huddled together in the 
ravine, did the ill-directed balls from the enemy's can- 
non plow through the orchard, tearing up the ground, 
but, fortunately, doing no other damage. A few shells 
also burst near us, harmlessly. Near midnight, those 
remaining in the ravine were persuaded to remove to a 
large stone root-house in the orchard, that we might be 
protected from the chilly dews of the night. 

" My health had been failing for some time previous, 
and the fright, fatigue, and bad air of the crowded root- 
house, brought on an illness so violent that my friends 
were obliged to convey me to the dwelling-house, the 
basement of which we found already crowded. I was 
placed in an upper room, a most dangerous position, 
as, it being nearly daybreak, the firing was more fre- 
quent. Alarmed for the safety of my two children, who 
with my mother had acconrpanied me, I prevailed on 
my mother to leave me alone, and seek a more secure 
place for herself and my little ones. My father and hus- 
band were at the fort, and, though my wants were all 
supplied, none else were willing to peril their own lives 
by remaining with me, as their presence would be no 
safeguard to my life. Hour after hour I passed thus 
alone, listening to the booming cannon, and now and 
then starting and shrieking as a ball whizzed by the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 401 

British cross the River at Springwells. 

house, sometimes feeling almost sure that it was a mark 
for the enemy, and thinking perhaps the next shot would 
terminate my existence. 

" Day dawned at length, and the cannonading ceased. 
Presently my mother came to tell me that the ' red- 
coats' were crossing the river at Springwells. 'Now,' 
said she, ' we shall be between two fires, and where to 
go for safety I cannot tell.' Her voice trembled with 
emotion, but her tearless eye flashed forth the determina- 
tion of a resolute heart. She seated herself by a window 
that looked out on the beautiful Detroit. Unlike yester- 
day, not a cloud appeared on all the face of heaven ; the 
cool breeze came sweeping up from its lake-bathings, 
rippling the river, and refreshing poor humanity. The 
glad song of birds hailed the rising sun, and the green 
herbage and the bright-eyed flowers nodded assent to their 
hymn of praise. But the reveille at the fort broke 
harshly on the ear amid the peaceful beauty of nature. 
It proclaimed the fearful truth that, for glory or mam- 
mon, man will murder his fellow-man, desolate the 
homes of the happy, and even himself rush into the pres- 
ence of his Judge. The river below us was thickly 
dotted with canoes and barges, filled with scarlet-clad 
soldiery, and the reflected sunbeams flashed from bur- 
nished implements of war. There was a bustle at the 

fort, but no forming of troops on the esplanade. At 

26 



402 EAELY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Advance toward the Town — No preparations for Defense. 

length a cannon was placed at the west gate, and small 
detachments of troops were stationed here and there, be- 
hind the strong picket-fences that lined the road-side 
from Springwells to Detroit. The British troops, hav- 
ing breakfasted only a mile below us, formed and com- 
menced marching toward the town. 

" ' "What ails our men !' exclaimed my mother, as the 
troops continued to advance ; ' why don't they fire upon 
them ?' 

" ' Perhaps they might kill us,' I suggested. 

" ' We might as well be killed,' she replied, ' as to fall 
into the power of the " red-coats" and Indians. But we 
must try to find a safer place than this, for if General 
Hull is not a coward, we shall have bloody work 
to-day.' 

" Supported by my mother, I succeeded in reaching the 
foot of the stairs, where ' my father, who had obtained 
leave of absence from the fort for half an hour, met us, 
and, taking me in his arms, carried me to our old retreat 
in the ravine. After telling me that my husband was on 
duty at one of the outposts, he returned to the fort. 
Kind friends made me a bed on the cold damp earth, 
my children were brought to me, and, when all was done 
for my comfort that could be, my restless mother again 
sought the house, to watch the movements of the bel- 
ligerents. 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 403 

Flags of Truce — Disgraceful surrender — Captain Snelling. 

" A flag of truce was sent from the fort across the river, 
and presently one of General Brock's aids galloped by, 
toward the fort, also bearing the white flag. After a 
short absence he returned, and was sent a second time, 
when he was met outside of the gate by a deputation 
from the fort. Soon after, to our utter dismay, the 
American banner was hauled down, and a white flag, in 
token of surrender, run up in its place. In the mean 
time orders had been issued to recall the detachments, 
and Captain Snelling, who stood at the cannon by the 
gate, with a lighted match in his hand to fire the gun, 
the report of which had been agreed upon as a signal 
of attack by those in ambuscade, had the match struck 
from his hand by a superior officer, who, pointing to the 
flag of surrender, told him not to fire, at the peril of 
his life. 

" Scarcely were the terms of capitulation signed, before 
the British took possession of the town and fort, and an 
officer rode through the lanes and orchards, assuring the 
trembling inhabitants of protection from the Indians, 
who were swarming in vast numbers in the rear of the 
British troops. There was one universal burst of indig- 
nation from officers, soldiers, and inhabitants, at this dis- 
graceful surrender, this stain on our national honor. 
General Hull's son, more brave than his father, raved 
and swore most fearfully. My father saw many of the 



404 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Indignation of Officers and Inhabitants — General Brock. 

officers break their swords, and weep over their disgrace 
like little children. 

" I wish yon could have heard the opprobrious epithets 
that were heaped upon the head of General Hull bj the 
indignant women. I really believe they then felt that 
they preferred victory, or even an honorable defeat, at 
the expense of life, to this ignoble surrender. Nor could 
they, even now, anticipate any safety for themselves and 
their families. They well knew that the Indian allies of 
the enemy, greater in number than the white force, could 
not be entirely controlled by the most strenuous efforts 
on the part of the commanding officers, and constant an- 
noyance, pillage, and perhaps massacre, were seen in the 
murky vista of the future. Nor were they mistaken ; 
the ensuing year was one of terror. 

" It is time that the orders of General Brock were very 
strict ; he did all he could to protect us, and probably 
prevented a general massacre of the Americans. Many 
supposed that he dared not provoke the hostility of the 
Indians, by punishing petty grievances ; and whenever 
a murder was committed, the murderer was kept out of 
the way till the affair was forgotten. Human life in 
time of war is little valued, and it required but a few 
days for a single murder to be forgotten, except by the 
immediate friends of the deceased. 

" When my father went to his house in town, the day 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 405 

Sufferings of Americans from Indian hostility. 

after the surrender, he found that it had been broken 
open, and plundered of every valuable article. Mr. 
McCarty owned one of those narrow farms, about a mile 
below the city, to which my father removed what little 
he had left, and my father's family and our own remained 
together till the close of the war. My husband and my 
father were prisoners of war, but were permitted to be 
at home most of the time on parole. Three several 
times during the year our house was plundered, and we 
fared quite as well as our neighbors. 

" "When winter came, the difficulty of obtaining fuel in 
the city induced many families to remove to their farms 
in the vicinity. Scarcely would they begin to feel secure 
in the enjoyment of their comforts, when, perhaps at 
midnight, a band of savages would enter the house, and 
carry off every thing that tempted their cupidity. Happy 
were the helpless families if they escaped with life, for 
the slightest offense was sure to be punished by toma- 
hawking the offender. 

" During the whole period that the British held posses- 
sion of Detroit, while the Americans were suffering so 
much, the Canadian families in the vicinity were unmo- 
lested. A red mark on their sheep and cattle, and red 
doors to their dwellings, insured them the respect ot 
their Indian allies. But the Americans would not adopt 
this expedient. Perhaps I can best give you an idea of 



406 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Canadian families safe— Singular expedient. 

the feeling upon this subject that prevailed among them, 
by telling you a little anecdote of Mr. McCarty. Some 
time in the month of October, a friendly Indian came to 
our house, and had a long talk with my husband. My 
sister and I saw him glance at us, then point to Mr. 
McCarty, and encircle his own crown, significant of 
scalping, but he spoke so low that we could not under- 
stand a word he said. When he was gone, we anxiously 
inquired what news the Indian brought. 

" ' Do not be alarmed,' said my husband ; ' Ocomo 
has only been trying to convince me that, if I wish to 
escape the tomahawk, I must go to the fort. He says 
you women are safe, because you are French, and have 
black eyes and hair ; but my blue eyes and light hair are 
against me.' 

"'Why don't you paint your door red?' asked my 
sister. 

" ' No British red about me, if I die for it !' he indig- 
nantly exclaimed. This was the general feeling among 
the inhabitants. 

" The British held possession of Detroit about a year. 
They did not seem to expect to retain it so long, for the 
very next day after the surrender, they commenced re- 
moving the military stores to Maiden, and for a whole 
month the river was covered with small boats engaged 
in the transportation. After two or three months the 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 407 



News of General Harrison's approach. 



British troops were withdrawn, except a detachment at 
the fort, and quite too many of their Indian allies re- 
mained prowling about the country, like ravening 

wolves. 

"It was a long, weary year to us poor inhabitants, and 
a joyful time when General Harrison came to the rescue. 
The news of his approach was first brought by an old 
citizen of Detroit, whom we had suspected of being a 
tory, because he was allowed greater privileges than 
others who had not taken up arms. This gentleman, 
who had been a few weeks at Maiden, came riding by, 
early one morning, on his way home, when my mother 
called to him through the lattice, and inquired the 

news. 

"'Good,' he replied, without looking toward the 
house. He passed on to his own residence, put his horse 
in the stable, and seated himself on the front piazza, 
without entering the house, lest he might possibly excite 
suspicions that would lead to a forcible communication 
to the British of General Harrison's movements. If our 
neighbor was indeed a tory, he seemed by his conduct 
to have become sick of British rule. 

" About an hour afterward, my brother James sprang 
through the gate at the foot of our garden, which ex- 
tended down the sloping bank to the river's brink, and 
ran with all speed into the house. My father immedi- 



408 EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 

Detroit retaken by the Americans. 

ately barricaded the door, and begged my daring brother 
not to go too near the window-blinds, lest he should be 
seen by the Indians. James was an officer in General 
Harrison's army, and so great was his anxiety to know 
the fate of his father's family, from whom he had long 
been separated, that be obtained permission to cross the 
river a little in advance of the army, and thus was the 
first of our deliverers who set foot on shore. 

" General Harrison and his army soon arrived. The 
Kentucky soldiers, who formed a part of the force, were 
tall, robust men, clad in blue hunting-shirts, red belts, 
and blue trowsers fringed with red. This singular uni- 
form gave them a demi-savage appearance. The fort 
was surrendered after a mere show of resistance ; the 
American flag again floated in triumph over the spot 
where a year before it had been so shamefully dishon- 
ored, and our joy was now as enthusiastic as then our in- 
dignation was unbounded." 

In October, 1813, Colonel Lewis Cass, who had ren- 
dered essential service to the territory, was appointed 
Governor of Michigan. The country was in a most de- 
plorable condition. Devastated by war, overrun by 
tribes of hostile savages, and very thinly settled, it pre- 
sented a most discouraging theater for the gratification 
of a youthful ambition. 

Immediately after the ratification of peace with Great 



EARLY HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. 409 



Colonel Lewis Cass appointed Governor. 

Britain, in 1815, Governor Cass devoted his energies to 
the conciliation of the Indian tribes, and so successful was 
he in controlling these savage hordes, that the period of 
his accession to the government was the commencement 
of a new and prosperous era in the Early History of 
Michigan. 



the END. 



